RADIO
Tyler Warren is Low-End TE1 for Week 9
Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren is hopeful for a bounce-back outing after posting a dud against the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Warren made his return to the field in Week 8 after missing two games due to a groin injury. Warren was quiet as he hauled in four of his 10 targets for 18 yards in the loss. The double-digit targets are great to see, but it doesn't mean anything when the performance is terrible. Warren should rebound against the struggling Dallas Cowboys defense in Week 9. A unit that currently ranks 23rd in passing yards allowed coming into this game. Warren is ranked as Rotoballer's TE9 for Week 9 and should be considered a low-end TE1 for this game.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Jake Ferguson is Shaky Starting Option
Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson (ankle) is currently listed as questionable ahead of the Week 9 matchup against the Indianapolis Colts. Ferguson suffered a low-ankle sprain during last week's loss to the Arizona Cardinals. He returned to practice in a limited fashion on Friday, but he remains uncertain for Week 9. Ferguson hasn't been much of a fantasy option lately anyway, with five receptions for 32 yards over his last four games. He'll draw a matchup against the Colts defense that ranks 12th in passing yards allowed this season. Ferguson currently ranks as Rotoballer's TE29 heading into Week 9. He's banged up and should be considered a low-end TE2 for this weekend.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Rising T.J. Hockenson An Option Against Buffalo
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson can be considered a starting option when his team plays the Week 9 finale against the Buffalo Bills. While the numbers for most of the Minnesota offense have been ghastly, the former Iowa Hawkeye has produced fairly consistently this season. Hockenson has ranked inside the top 10 among PPR tight ends in three of the past four games, and the only misfire was the result of a first-quarter concussion that forced him out of the game. Minnesota is making a change at quarterback now that Kyler Murray (hamstring) has been ruled out, turning to backup Carson Wentz. That shouldn't change the outlook for the tight end, who caught a touchdown from Wentz in Week 1 and saw at least five targets from him in four of the journeyman's five starts last season. As RotoBaller's No. 10 tight end this week, Hockenson is playable in all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Kyle Pitts Sr. a TE2 with TE1 Upside in Week 9
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. drew five targets in Week 8, though he was only able to convert two of them into catches for a paltry six yards, however, the entire receiving corps was a disappointment in the rain in Tampa Bay. The offense should function better this week in a game against the Bengals in Madrid, Spain. The Bengals are allowing the ninth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season, yielding the second-most total yards to opposing TEs (621) and second-most yards per game (88.7); however, the unit is one of just two teams that have not allowed an opposing TE to record a touchdown reception. Even so, the 6-foot-6 tight end had been trending up before last week's dud, having scored four touchdowns over the previous three games, and he's recorded at least five targets in four straight contests. Zachariah Branch's (hamstring) absence also may add a bonus target or two. Look for a bounceback game this week from the former first-rounder, and although he ranks as a mid-range TE2 at RotoBaller for Week 9, in a game that could be a shootout, the 26-year-old could sneak into TE1 range.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Colby Parkinson a Deep-League Option for Week 9 if Active
Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson (ribs) is listed as questionable for Week 9 against the Washington Commanders, but he has the potential to carve out standalone value in deeper fantasy leagues if he suits up. Parkinson is working his way back from missing Week 8, and managers are hopeful that he can return to the level of productivity that he demonstrated in Weeks 6-7. Across those two games, he totaled 10 catches, 79 yards, and one touchdown. Los Angeles has seen subpar production from Tyler Higbee in Parkinson's absence, so the 27-year-old should step right into the No. 1 role upon his return, especially with Terrance Ferguson (ankle) still on injured reserve. Additionally, we would expect Parkinson to operate as one of Matthew Stafford's top targets behind Puka Nacua, with Ferguson and Davante Adams (hamstring) both sidelined. In addition to the solid role, Parkinson should benefit from a matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. If he suits up, he should be a mid-range TE2 in fantasy football with TE1 upside.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Tyler Higbee a Risky Week 9 Option Despite Enticing Matchup
Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has an enticing matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 9, but his recent track record keeps him off the fantasy football radar in most leagues. Higbee has had several opportunities to produce over the last few weeks, including Week 7 as the Rams' No. 1 tight end against a Raiders defense that struggles to cover the position. Instead, he has contributed just three catches over his last two games. Even with players like Colby Parkinson (rib), Terrance Ferguson (ankle), and Davante Adams (hamstring) missing time, Higbee has not produced like many fantasy managers initially expected. That pattern may continue in Week 9, especially with Parkinson, who is listed as questionable, in the mix to suit up. The matchup is undeniably encouraging, as the Commanders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. However, Higbee's frustrating track record against subpar defenses over the last two weeks makes him avoidable on Sunday, even if Parkinson doesn't end up playing. He ranks as the TE20 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Oronde Gadsden Off the Streaming Radar in Week 9 vs. Texans
Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden is coming off his biggest performance of the season. The 23-year-old caught all five of his targets for 52 yards and finished Week 8 as the TE14. Gadsden has disappointed this season, but his recent performance could jump-start his season. However, Gadsden enters Week 9 as RotoBaller's PPR TE32 in an intriguing matchup against the Houston Texans. The Texans defense has allowed the third-most 20-plus-yard passing plays and the ninth-most yards per reception. Gadsden will need to stack good fantasy performances to earn managers' trust. He should be viewed as a TE3 and is not a reliable streaming option in Week 9.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Evan Engram Remains a Bench Option Despite Favorable Matchup
Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram faces a Carolina defense that has allowed five receiving touchdowns to tight ends in seven games. The Panthers also gave up 34 catches for 331 yards to the position, including six receptions for 53 yards and a score to Tucker Kraft last week. Denver's rotation makes it difficult to bet on Engram taking advantage Sunday. He played 30 offensive snaps against Kansas City in Week 8 and failed to catch any of his three targets. Adam Trautman played 35 snaps and caught two passes for 30 yards, while Nate Adkins scored on one of his two catches despite playing just 19 snaps. Engram had four catches for 55 yards against the Chargers in Week 5, but he has combined for three catches and 15 yards in the three games since. He has one touchdown on the season and sits at TE31 in RotoBaller's weekend PPR rankings. Carolina's track record gives Engram some appeal in leagues that start two tight ends. He belongs on the bench in standard 12-team formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Mason Taylor Offers PPR Streaming Value Against Kansas City
New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor (back) has drawn at least five targets in three straight games and could see more work Sunday at Kansas City with receiver Garrett Wilson (concussion) out. Taylor practiced fully on Thursday and Friday after being limited Wednesday and carries no game designation. His five catches for 62 yards and two touchdowns against Miami in Week 7 were followed by three catches for 19 yards against Las Vegas. The Chiefs have allowed 48 catches, 459 yards and five touchdowns to tight ends in seven games, a matchup that puts Taylor in play as a streamer in 12-team PPR leagues. Denver tight ends Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins combined for four catches, 34 yards and a touchdown against Kansas City in Week 8, while Evan Engram went catchless on three targets. New York also rotates at the position. Taylor drew five targets to Kenyon Sadiq's two against Las Vegas, but their playing time was closer, with Taylor logging 39 offensive snaps and Sadiq playing 31. That target edge gives Taylor a better chance to help PPR managers even if the two continue to share playing time.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Juwan Johnson's Fantasy Value Continues to Trend Downward
New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson recorded just one reception for seven yards on three targets in Week 7's loss to the Steelers. After averaging 5.2 receptions for 58 yards with three touchdowns through the first four weeks, Johnson has continued to trend downward, totaling just five catches for 23 yards over his last three games. His snap share has also declined, dropping to 56% in Week 7, while fellow tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp played 46% and 28% of the snaps, respectively. Things may not improve much for Johnson moving forward, as rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson is nearing his season debut and could further cut into his already declining target share. The Browns offer a potential get-right matchup, allowing the 10th-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. Still, Johnson is a high-risk option and ranks TE22 in RotoBaller's Week 8 rankings.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Isaiah Likely Looks to Keep Breakout Season Going Against Eagles
New York Giants tight end Isaiah Likely has had a career season through seven games and looks to carry that momentum into the post-bye week. In seven games, Likely has hauled in 41 of 63 targets for 395 yards and five touchdowns, averaging 12.9 half-PPR fantasy points per game. After signing with the New York Giants this offseason, many expected Likely to prosper in his full-time role, but few anticipated this breakout. The former Raven ranks third in receptions per game (5.86), sixth in yards (56.4), second in touchdowns (5), and third in fantasy points per game among tight ends. Now he faces the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 9, who have allowed the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. While the Eagles have had success against tight ends, they haven't faced a top player at the position like Likely yet. Fire up the Giants playmaker as a top-end TE in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Sam LaPorta Could Have a Prime Bounce-Back Opportunity in Week 9
Seven games into his 2026 season, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 31 catches for 367 yards and three touchdowns on 44 targets. The 25-year-old's production has dipped lately, as he's hauled in just four catches for 51 yards on seven targets over Detroit's last two games. LaPorta could have a golden opportunity to re-establish himself in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, as star Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown (ribs) is questionable to play with a rib injury. Should St. Brown be inactive, LaPorta could be Detroit's lead option in the passing game against a Dolphins defense that currently ranks last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.3) and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed (16). Even if St. Brown is healthy enough to play, LaPorta should have a solid chance at a bounce-back week. He profiles as a must-start tight end for fantasy managers in Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Broncos Checked on Trey McBride; Cardinals Refuse to Trade Him
The Arizona Cardinals have zero intention of trading star tight end Trey McBride before the upcoming NFL trade deadline, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. Schefter reports that the Denver Broncos recently checked in on McBride but were rebuffed by Arizona. Across eight games in 2026, McBride has recorded 66 catches for 544 yards and five touchdowns on 88 targets. His efficiency has taken a hit this year, as he's averaging a career-low 6.3 yards per target and 8.2 yards per reception. While a move to a more potent offense would likely help McBride's per-target numbers, he remains the clear number one option in the Arizona passing game. As long as he remains healthy, McBride profiles as an elite tight end option for fantasy managers.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Harold Fannin Jr. Should Continue Hot Stretch In Week 9
Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. is starting to emerge in the Browns' passing game and should continue his hot stretch with another good game in Week 9 at New Orleans. With Shedeur Sanders stepping in at quarterback, he should look to Fannin Jr. as his main target against a Saints defense that ranks near the bottom of the league against the pass. Fannin Jr. is coming off a 10-catch, 154-yard performance in the Week 8 loss to the Steelers and had six catches for 91 yards two weeks ago at Tennessee. Fannin Jr. is racking up the targets the last two weeks with Deshaun Watson as his quarterback, with nine against Tennessee and 12 against Pittsburgh. Fannin Jr. has shown that he is a reliable target, and with inexperienced wide receivers in Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion Jr., he could come through as the main option for Sanders. Fannin Jr. is reliable on short-field targets and is an option down the middle of the field on deeper targets. He is averaging 11.7 yards per reception this season and has three receiving touchdowns. He hasn't scored since the first matchup with Pittsburgh in Week 4. Fannin Jr. looks like a very dependable tight end play this week. Start with confidence.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Foster Moreau A Very Touchdown-Dependent Long Shot
Houston Texans tight end Foster Moreau caught a pair of touchdowns in Week 6 against the Jaguars in London, but did not have a catch or a target in Week 7 against the Giants. He continues to play well behind Houston's top tight end, Dalton Schultz, and is only a viable fantasy option if he gets more work or gets back into the end zone. Moreau does have three touchdowns in seven games this season, even though he only has 11 catches. He will look to bounce back from that catchless game before the bye week as he faces the Chargers, who have been solid against tight ends, despite their other struggles in their 0-7 start to the season. Moreau is only the TE45 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings, so he's best left out of lineups this week in almost all formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
