Tight end has become an extremely volatile postion with even stalwarts like Jimmy Graham, Rob Gronkowski, Jason Witten, and Tony Gonzalez struggling. There are some nice emerging options that you can grab and get in your lineup if possible for week 9. They have sleeper potential based on their matchups and they could be the difference between having a tough bye-week cost you or getting a win to get you into a better position for the playoff chase.
1. Jordan Reed-Washington Redskins
Washington hosts the Chargers this week in what could be a sneakily high-scoring game. Both teams like to throw the ball a lot and have struggled to contain opponents passing games. Everyone has had trouble with Reed lately. He’s caught 17 passes the last two weeks for a otal of 224 yards and a touchdown while being targeted 23 times. RG3 is throwing the ball his way, so he makes a great sleeper play for this week.
2. Martellus Bennett-Chicago Bears
The Bears won’t have Jay Cutler, but Josh McCown isn’t the worst backup in the league by a long shot. He showed a little of his ability when he took over against Washington two weeks ago when he threw for 204 yards and a touchdown. The touchdown throw was the only catch for Bennett in that game, but he should have developed a solid rapport with the veteran backup during Chicago’s bye week. The Packers are a good matchup for Bennett on Monday Night since they allow the third-most points per game to opposing TE’s.
3. Kyle Rudolph-Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are planning on starting Christian Ponder which is great news for Rudolph owners. Last week with Ponder under center, he caught all four passes thrown his way for 51 yards. He’s been up-and-down mainly because of the inconsistency of the Vikings offense as a whole, but he’s in a good matchup this week in Dallas since the Cowboys allow the fourth-most points per game to opposing TE’s.
4. Delanie Walker-Tennessee Titans
Although he’s been flying under the radar, Walker has been targeted quite a bit in the Titans passing attack which should see a boost in productivity with Jake Locker back under center. Locker connected with Walker for 52 yards and a touchdown against the 49ers in week 7, and will look for him again this week as the Titans face the Rams in St. Louis
5. Coby Fleener-Indianapolis Colts
Fleener is a high-risk play since he’s facing the Texans who are typically pretty good against the tight end, but some of the targets that used to go to Reggie Wayne may come his way which could make him a nice option for fantasy owners going forward. He’s one to watch as Andrew Luck adjusts to life after Wayne’s injury in week 7.
If you have any questions about who I’d start/sit for week 9, you can find me on twitter @ZT_Sports or drop the question in the comments at the bottom of the page. For information on other positions, starter rankings, waiver wire pickups, and plenty of fantasy football insight, check out our Fansided fantasy football page.