RADIO
Dalton Schultz Only a Deep-League Option in Week 9
Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has been a steady but unspectacular PPR producer this season. He had a massive, 12-catch performance in Week 2, but with the team adding pass-catching options since then, he has played a smaller role. He has 33 catches for 322 yards in seven games, with at least three catches in all but one game this season. In Week 7, he had five catches for 45 yards against the Giants, but he still has not found the end zone this season. After the bye, he'll go on the road to face the Chargers, who have been one of the better teams in the league at defending TEs. This season, the Bolts have allowed just one tight-end touchdown, so it's hard to count on Schultz to break through for a score this week. He is RotoBaller's No. 21 TE in the Week 9 rankings, making him worth considering as a starter in two-tight end formats or desperate situations.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Greg Dulcich Rising In the Rankings as a Deep-League Streamer
Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich has caught at least four passes in three straight games and in four of his last five. He was held catchless against the Vikings but has bounced back with solid games against the Jets and Patriots since the team's Week 6 bye. Dulcich tied for the team lead with six targets last week and caught four passes for 43 receiving yards. The 26-year-old from UCLA is in a great matchup this week against the Lions, who have allowed the most PPR points per game to tight ends this season. Dulcich is a viable streaming option in that matchup with his consistent volume lately, and he's RotoBaller's No. 17 TE this week, as he continues to trend up with more work coming his way.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Trey McBride Remains Top TE Choice Against Seahawks
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride continued his torrid 2026 in Week 8 with seven catches for 72 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Cowboys. McBride has eclipsed 20 PPR points in four contests and has a touchdown reception in five separate games. The emerging superstar will face a stiffer challenge in Week 9, when the Cardinals square off against the Seahawks. Seattle is allowing the sixth-fewest fantasy points and fifth-fewest yards to opposing tight ends. In the teams' last meeting in Week 2, McBride managed to grab eight catches for 41 yards and a touchdown. The Seahawks haven't allowed a touchdown to a tight end since then, and his performance is one of just two through eight games that Seattle has allowed double-digit PPR points to the position. McBride's target volume will keep him in the running for a TE1 finish, and he should be in lineups for Week 9 despite the difficult matchup.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
George Kittle In Smash Spot Against Raiders
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle operated as the team's primary receiver with Mike Evans (Achilles) and Deebo Samuel Sr. (hamstring) both on the shelf in Week 7. Kittle saw a team-high 10 targets in the surprise loss to the Falcons, catching eight passes for 88 yards. The tight end now leads the team (or is tied for the lead) in targets, receiving yards, and receptions and ranks fourth at his position in PPR points per game (14.9). On Sunday, Kittle will be prominently featured in the 49ers' offense with Evans and Samuel both ruled out once again. San Francisco's Week 9 opponent, the Raiders, have given up the second-most receptions, second-most touchdowns, and fourth-most PPR points per game to opposing tight ends. Kittle is projected as a TE1 and should be locked into fantasy lineups on Sunday.
Source: NFL.com
Source: NFL.com
Chig Okonkwo A Borderline TE1/2 Option in Week 9 Against Rams
Washington Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo profiles as a borderline TE1/TE2 option this week against the Rams, with Treylon Burks (foot) ruled out and Terry McLaurin (knee) out for the season. Okonkwo has caught multiple passes in every game this season, and since Jayden Daniels returned in Week 5, Okonkwo ranks 2nd among tight ends in yards per target (10,7) and first in explosive catch rate (30.8%), per Fantasy Points Data. The 27-year-old is still inconsistent for fantasy but should remain involved in Week 9 against the Rams. However, production could be tough to come by, as the Rams' defense ranks in the top eight in fantasy points allowed to tight ends, including holding superstars Brock Bowers and Trey McBride below their season average in yards per game. Okonkwo ranks as RotoBaller's TE18 for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Hunter Henry to Battle Through Brutal Matchup if Active on Sunday
New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (foot) is listed as questionable for Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Green Bay Packers, and with a tough matchup on paper, he'll be a risky fantasy football option even if he does suit up. Henry has been a pleasant surprise with 22 catches, 255 yards, and two touchdowns over his last five games, and he could be in the mix for a larger workload than usual this week with A.J. Brown (knee) and Romeo Doubs (shoulder) both sidelined. However, he will also have to overcome a very tricky matchup, as Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest catches, third-fewest yards, and third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in Week 9. We also have to consider Henry's health, because even if he plays, that doesn't mean he'll be at 100%. After all, he missed two consecutive practices before returning in a limited capacity on Friday. We're intrigued about Henry's fantasy outlook for the second half of the season, but between the tough matchup and the injury factor, we'd feel inclined to sit him in Week 9, even if he does end up playing. The experts tend to agree, as Henry has fallen to TE19 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Eli Stowers Remains a Solid Dynasty Stash
Philadelphia Eagles rookie tight end Eli Stowers has yet to make an impact for the team in 2026, but he still profiles as a nice stash in dynasty formats. Stowers missed a large chunk of this season after being placed on IR with quad and hamstring injuries, so he's feasibly a bit behind at this point. However, reports out of camp this summer were that the 23-year-old was having trouble acclimating to the speed of the NFL game. That's no surprise, really, as tight ends can be particularly slow to adapt to the speed of the pros. Although, with veteran Dallas Goedert ahead of him, playing time will be scarce. In fact, Stowers has rotated evenly with teammate Johnny Mundt and is currently in somewhat of a time share. All that said, while it may be difficult for him to provide owners value this year, the Vanderbilt product presents with strong athletic measurables for his size, and the collegiate production over his final two seasons to back it up (111/1,407/9). He's a firm hold for the time being.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Eli Raridon Avoidable for Week 9 if Teammate Suits Up
New England Patriots tight end Eli Raridon can remain on the bench in fantasy football if teammate Hunter Henry (foot) ends up playing in Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers. Henry is listed as questionable to play Sunday, and it's fair to have some concerns about his status after he missed two practices and then logged a limited session on Friday. Still, the Patriots are leaving the door open for him to suit up, which means Raridon is an unreliable fantasy option for the time being. He had just one catch in Week 8 despite handling four targets and a 92% snap share, and a similarly uncertain volume share could await him in Week 9. However, if Henry does get ruled out, Raridon would presumably take on most of his vacated targets and jump to the mid-range TE2 tier in fantasy football. This week's matchup is another factor to consider, as the Packers have been remarkable against tight ends. Green Bay has allowed the fourth-fewest catches, third-fewest yards, and third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in Week 9. Raridon is an iffy low-end TE2 if Henry is ruled out, and he's off the Week 9 fantasy radar entirely if Henry ends up playing.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Darren Waller Not Seeing Enough Opportunity to Start in Week 9
Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller has had flashes of fantasy relevance over the past two years but hasn't produced consistently. In 2026, the 34-year-old has seen 25 targets and caught 15 for 209 yards and three TDs. Over the past three weeks, he has seen only six targets, whereas in prior weeks he received six, eight, and three. Waller's path to fantasy significance would likely have to come through touchdowns, which the Panthers' Week 9 opponent, the Denver Broncos, have allowed five this season to opposing tight ends. While Waller has a "6-foot-6" frame and a propensity for the end zone, it is not worth starting him this week based on the slim chance he might score. Waller is a sit in all fantasy leagues this week, as RotoBaller's TE28.
Source: Pro Football Reference
Source: Pro Football Reference
Tommy Tremble Is Not On Track to Make a Fantasy Impact in Week 9
Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble has not been a reliable fantasy asset in the 2026 season, producing only one fantasy-relevant game in Week 6, in which he scored two touchdowns. Tremble has 21 targets this season, a 7.7% target share, and there has been no indication of increased involvement. The Panthers' passing game runs through wide receivers Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker, and tight end Darren Waller also gets his fair share of targets. If it's any consolation for Tremble this week, their Week 9 opponent, the Denver Broncos, have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends (16.8). However, fantasy managers can't count on Tremble to produce, so he isn't worth a start in any league format and is ranked TE37 in RotoBaller's rankings.
Source: Fantasy Points Data
Source: Fantasy Points Data
Colston Loveland Heating Up in Chicago's Passing Attack
Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland is again a strong fantasy option for a home matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Soldier Field. The former Michigan Wolverine has really rounded into form over his previous three outings, compiling a 20/199/2 line while leading the team in receptions and targets (28). Loveland's upside will always be somewhat capped by Chicago's propensity to score points in a hurry and the dearth of talent around him. Still, he's utilized superbly in the scheme, able to use his athleticism on quick flat routes around the line of scrimmage. He also does well on some deeper breaking patterns over the middle and outside the numbers. Tampa Bay's defense has been an undesirable matchup in most respects, but they're actually susceptible to fantasy tight ends as a bottom-half unit. Even if the offense struggles, Loveland should still command a considerable share of targets. He's again a top option for the Sunday night matchup and, officially, RotoBaller's PPR TE4 for Week 9.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Dalton Kincaid Practices in Full on Friday
Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (chest) was a full participant during Friday's practice session. This is good news after Kincaid was limited during Thursday's practice while nursing a chest injury. He was able to shed his red non-contact jersey on Friday, Sal Capaccio reports. It seems like Kincaid is trending in the right direction ahead of Monday's Week 9 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. Kincaid has been playing some good ball over the last two games, so hopefully he'll be able to keep up that pace. If he does get downgraded, Dawson Knox would likely step into the starting tight end role on Monday.
Source: buffalobills.com
Source: buffalobills.com
AJ Barner Outside Starting Realm Despite Plus Matchup
Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is not a starting option in Week 9 against the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals have been one of the worst defenses in the league all season, and they are No. 24 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. However, Barner is not receiving enough volume in this offense to be a viable fantasy option. Darnold did score a rushing touchdown against Arizona when they first met in Week 2, but he only received one reception. Even in Week 8 when quarterback Sam Darnold (quadriceps) aired it out 34 times, Barner only racked up two receptions. He is consistently scoring in the single-digits in fantasy due to the lack of volume. Barner was viewed as a potential breakout candidate entering the season, but it has become apparent that new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury is not keen on using Barner the same way former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak did. Leave Barner on waivers until the Seahawks demonstrate more of a desire to use him.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Michael Mayer a Streaming Option in Week 9 Matchup vs. 49ers
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer continues to have some fantasy weight, but it will be limited against a stingy San Francisco 49ers defense in Week 9. Mayer has proven to be a flex option in the Brock Bowers-led offense, totaling 36 catches for 351 yards and one touchdown through eight games. He has also been very efficient, catching 84% of his targets this season. That includes five catches on six targets for 53 yards in a win against a solid New York Jets defense. That being said, the 49ers have been tough against tight ends in 2026, allowing just 1.8 receptions for 12.7 yards per game on average. San Francisco will be fresh off a bye week and have an even sturdier defensive front with the addition of DeForest Buckner and the return of Nick Bosa (calf). The pressure on Kirk Cousins will impact the passing game, so Mayer's target share could take a hit. Still, his efficiency makes him a solid streaming option despite the difficult matchup.
Source: StatMuse
Source: StatMuse
Brock Bowers Remains a Must-Start Despite Tough Week 9 Matchup
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has one of his toughest tasks of the season going up against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. The 23-year-old has been Kirk Cousins' favorite target since making his season debut in Week 3, logging 41 catches for 547 yards and five touchdowns. That includes a two-touchdown effort in a Week 7 win against the New York Jets when he caught seven of 10 targets for 92 yards, racking up 28.2 PPR points in the process. Now, the 49ers pose a bigger threat in Week 9 since they have been so tough on tight ends, limiting them to just 1.8 receptions for 12.7 yards per game. Nick Bosa's (calf) return from injury will up the pressure on Cousins, and a healthy Fred Warner will give Bowers plenty of trouble. Then again, the Niners also allowed nine catches on 11 targets for 75 yards to Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Bowers is still RotoBaller's TE1 and should be started in this tough Week 9 matchup.
Source: StatMuse
Source: StatMuse
