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Fantasy Football Sleepers Week 11: 5 Emergency TEs to start

By Zachary Thompson

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Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 10, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (87) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the first half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

With my top tight end pickup of the week, Delanie Walker, already playing on Thursday night, there are still some solid options for this week if you need a instant starter. These players probably won’t pile up huge numbers, but I think they’ll exceed expectations and end up around the top ten.

Brandon Pettigrew-Detroit Lions

Pettigrew had a season-high 70 yards last week and should be targeted again this week as the Lions travel to Pittsburgh to take on the Steelers. He probably won’t go off for a huge game, but he does offer steady production in a prolific passing offense which will still be without Nate Burleson.

John Carlson-Minnesota Vikings

Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) is tackled by Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather (31) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Redskins 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end John Carlson (89) is tackled by Washington Redskins safety Brandon Meriweather (31) during the fourth quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. The Vikings defeated the Redskins 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

In a breakout performance, Carlson ripped up the Washington football team Thursday night catching seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. It was his first start in place of Kyle Rudolph, and he should continue to see plenty of passes thrown his way the rest of the season. He is in a tough matchup this week against his former team-the Seahawks, but he’s a solid speculative pickup going forward.

Timothy Wright-Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Wright had a disappointing week 10 catching just one pass against Miami. Before Monday Night, he was on a roll with touchdowns and 48 or more yards in back to back contests. With the running back injuries piling up, the Bucs will need to throw the ball this week, and I think Wright will bounce back since he’s still the second option in the passing offense behind Vincent Jackson.

Tyler Eifert-Cincinnati Bengals

Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M
Nov 10, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tyler Eifert (85) warms up prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M /

Eifert was targeted a whopping ten times last week against the Ravens. He saw the uptick in action since Jermaine Gresham wasn’t able to play due to injury leaving the duties at tight end undivided. If Gresham is out again this week, Eifert is a good play, and I think his role will only grow going forward.

Marcedes Lewis-Jacksonville Jaguars

Lewis had a season-high in receptions and yards last week catching three passes for 39 yards against the Titans. He was targeted a season-high six times as well which could lead to a solid game this week against the Cardinals. Arizona has allowed the most points per game to opposing tight ends in the league, but Lewis is still a “Hail Mary” to avoid unless you’re desperate.

If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 11, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.

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