Ben Ruppert's 2016 Week 9 tight end (TE) fantasy football rankings analysis and tiered ranks. His rankings and start/sit advice for your Week 9 tight end matchups.

Below you will find our Week 9 tight end rankings, to help determine your TE starts/sits for this week, brought to you by Bill Dubiel (@Roto_Dubs), Nick Mariano (@NMariano53) and Ben Ruppert (@Ben_Ruppert_21).

Featured writer Ben Ruppert also highlights some TE rankings and matchups analysis for Week 9, and draws some matchup conclusions. He tells you who he likes, who he doesn't, and most importantly who he thinks you should be starting in Week 9. You can also check out RotoBaller's overall player rankings here.

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Editor's Note: Stay on top of your draft prep with RotoBaller’s fantasy football rankings, featuring expert analysis, ADPs, and draft insights for both PPR and non-PPR leagues.

Week 9 Tight End - Rankings & Matchups Analysis

Kyle Rudolph will look to get back to the end zone this week against the Lions, who have been the worst team in the league at defending the TE position. Opposing TEs average six catches for 65 yards and a TD per game against them. Rudolph has three scores on the season, but hasn’t scored in three weeks. Even without the TDs, Rudolph has been extremely consistent. Through 7 games played, Rudolph has scored less than 8.1 points just once (PPR) and has had at least 55 yards OR a TD in five of seven games. As the most heavily targeted receiver on the roster, Rudolph will be able to find room to operate this week.

Jack Doyle has been a solid TE play over the past three weeks, catching 15 passes for 167 yards and two TDs. Unfortunately for Doyle, Dwayne Allen will be making his return to the lineup this week. Both TEs alone would have great value in this offense, but the two together bring much more value to the Colts than our fantasy teams. They still may be good plays this week against the Packers, in what is expected to be an offensive showdown. Allen has a history of injuries, so hold onto Doyle for now if you own him. For both TEs, limit expectations when both are healthy and producing.

Zach Ertz and Carson Wentz haven’t been on the same page since Ertz returned from injury. Aside from Week 1 when Ertz caught six passes, the pair have not been in sync all season long. In the four games since his return, Ertz has nine catches and no games above 37 receiving yards. Offensive coordinator Frank Reich said the team needs to get Ertz more involved, saying “We’re pushing for that. We’re thinking about it. We’re planning for it. I can tell you each week there are X number of plays geared to go to Ertz since he’s been back.” He is still tough to play until we see some actual results, but makes for an interesting play if you’re in a pickle this week. The Giants have given up an average five catches for 48 yards to opposing TEs this season.

If you own Delanie Walker and are looking for a backup option in case he is unable to play, take a look at Lance Kendricks. In four of his seven games played this season, he has eclipsed 10 points in PPR leagues. He is coming off his highest catch total this season, a seven catch 55-yard performance against the Giants. This week he is against the Panthers, who have been extremely poor against opposing TEs this season. They give up the second most fantasy points in the league to the position, averaging five catches for 63 yards and a TD against per game. Kendricks is someone that can be had for cheap, and could actual provide you with good value from the TE position all season long.

The Jacksonville versus Kansas City matchup could be a difficult one for both TEs. Travis Kelce and Julius Thomas will have their hands full, going against defenses in the bottom this of the league at stopping opposing TEs. The Jags and Chiefs rank fifth and sixth respectively at limiting opposing TEs from a fantasy perspective. Kelce was targeted 10 times last game, but only six in the two games prior. Nick Foles will be playing QB this week, so Kelce’s involvement in the offence may spike again this week. He should still be a fine play this week if Foles doesn’t struggle. Thomas has been taken off of the injury report which is great, but has been struggling to be productive with Blake Bortles as the QB. Thomas hasn’t eclipsed 30 yards since Week 2, and will likely be TD dependent against this tough Chiefs defense.

Week 9 Fantasy Football Rankings - Tight End