Few tight ends stand out as must-start fantasy football options every week so there are plenty of other players worth taking a look at week in and week out. Hitting on under-the-radar plays is big in season-long fantasy and DFS. We’ve identified two tight ends worth starting and two to consider sitting ahead of Week 9 to help you achieve fantasy success this weekend.
Tight End Starts
T.J. Hockenson, Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
Kenny Golladay is doubtful to play in Week 9 because of a hip injury and could be headed to the IR. Hockenson has acted as an escape outlet for Matthew Stafford all year and has been target more times (41) than any Lion. Hockenson leads Detroit in receptions (29) and touchdown catches (4). He should get a healthy bump in usage if the WR1 is ruled out as expected.
Noah Fant, Denver Broncos vs. Atlanta Falcons
Fant is still working to return his best after missing time with an ankle injury and will be up against the Falcons’ notoriously bad pass defense. Drew Lock favors the second-year tight end in the red zone and Tim Patrick’s questionable status could make him even more of a focal point. Atlanta has given up eight touchdowns to tight ends this season.
Tight End Sits
Trey Burton, Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens
There’s no way Burton can record a rushing touchdown for a third straight game, right? Indianapolis is crowded at tight end and makes use of Mo Alie-Cox and Jack Doyle. It would be shocking if Burton gets his number called again in the red zone and the Ravens are equipped to stuff him and the rest of the Colts’ offense all over the field.
Darren Fells, Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars aren’t necessarily good against the pass but Fells seems to be a touchdown-or-bust play despite taking while taking over all of Joran Akins’ snaps. Fells wasn’t even targeted in Week 8 and could take a step back if Akins returns from injury in Week 9.