We're going into a big bye week, lots of teams will be resting up for the stretch run. Fortunately, for TE purposes week 9 isn't a killer. Unless you own Martellus Bennett or to a lesser extent Delanie Walker, you don't have much to worry about
Also:Make Sure To Check Out The RB Rankings For Week 9
Players On A Bye: Martellus Bennett CHI, Delanie Walker TEN, Scott Chandler TEN, Andrew Quarless GB, Eric Ebron DET, Levine Toilolo ATL
Injury Concerns: Owen Daniels (knee), Jordan Cameron (concussion), Tyler Eifert (elbow) and Kyle Rudolph (groin), Jimmy Graham (shoulder)
The Elite Tier (Must Start Players):
Julius Thomas has had two terrible performances in a row. Can he find the end zone in week 9?
1. Rob Gronkowski NE @DEN
2. Jimmy Graham NO @CAR
3. Greg Olsen CAR vs. NO
4. Antonio Gates SDG @MIA
5. Dwayne Allen IND @NYG
6. Julius Thomas DEN @NE
Gronkowski is looking like a matchup nightmare and should see the end zone in Denver at least once. Jimmy Graham is still banged up but he is also a good bet to score in any game he suits up for. Greg Olsen is as steady as they come and Carolina should put up some points versus the Saints. Antonio Gates gets the lions share of red zone targets on his team. Dwayne Allen is a rising star with a stellar quarterback. I have to admit that Julius Thomas makes the cut based more on the past than recent performance. I feel like he should put up double digit fantasy points this week.
Starter Worthy (Should Be Safe To Roll With These Guys):
7. Larry Donnell NYG vs. IND
8. Heath Miller PIT vs. BAL
9. Jordan Reed WAS @MIN
10. Jason Witten DAL vs. ARI
11. Travis Kelce KC vs. NYJ
12. Zach Ertz PHI @HOU
Larry Donnell is another guy who I think will have a bounceback week, the Colts do not play good defense. Heath Miller has a good chance to score in close against a division rival. Jordan Reed should see his share of targets whether McCoy or Griffin gets the start. Rumors of Witten's demise have been greatly exaggerated, Gavin who? Kelce is a matchup play, the Jets are a dumpster fire and should put up little resistance. Ertz should see a lot of short looks as J.J. Watt terrorizes Nick Foles.
Dangerous With Potential (Hit Or Miss):
13. Jared Cook STL @SF
14. Tim Wright NE vs. DEN
15. Vernon Davis SF vs. STL
16. Jace Amaro NYJ @KC
17. Clay Harbor JAC @CIN
18. Coby Fleener IND @NYG
19. Austin Seferian-Jenkins TB @CLE
20. Jermaine Gresham CIN vs. JAC
Jared Cook has the most targets of any player in the NFL without a TD, look for that streak to continue. Wright may scoop up a touchdown as Gronk sees double and triple coverage. Vernon Davis needs to have a big game to win back some confidence. Jace Amaro has a ton of talent, but plays on the Jets.
Waiver Fodder (There Are Better Options):
21. Charles Clay MIA vs. SDG
22. Niles Paul WAS @MIN
23. Luke Willson SEA vs. OAK
24. Gavin Escobar DAL vs. ARI
25. Crockett Gilmore BAL @PIT
26. Mychal Rivera OAK @SEA
27. Cooper Eifert SEA vs. OAK
28. John Carlson ARI @DAL
29. Lance Kendricks STL @SF
30. Jim Dray CLE vs. TB
I don't have much to say about the rest of this crop, if you're looking at the bottom feeders give Clay or Escobar a shot and hope for a lucky TD. Good luck in week 9, the playoffs are around the corner.
