There actually are some key differences between our standard fantasy tight end rankings and our Week 9 TE PPR rankings, and it comes in the form of a high-floor vs. high-ceiling argument. Zach Ertz and Mark Andrews have both disappointed lately, but we know they’re integral to their teams’ respective offenses. However, both have unfavorable matchups this week. Conversely, Greg Olsen, T.J. Hockenson, Vance McDonald, Jack Doyle, and Eric Ebron have proven to have low floors, but they all have matchups with teams in the top eight in fantasy points per game allowed to TEs. Who would you rather start?
For most owners, this is simply a thought experiment. It’s possible you have more than one of these TEs, but it’s more likely you have no choice but to start the only one you own. If anything, you’re just happy some of these mid-tier tight ends have better outlooks this week. If you have Ertz (vs. Bears) or Andrews (vs. Patriots), it’s unlikely you’re going to sit them despite their poor showings in recent weeks. Ertz, in particular, is worrisome, as his catches are down and Dallas Goedert is siphoning more targets, especially in the red zone. Still, are you really going to take a chance on a waiver-wire sleeper over someone who was probably your third- or fourth-round pick?
WEEK 9 NON-PPR RANKINGS:
Quarterback | Running back | Wide receiver | Tight end | D/ST | Kicker
As you can see in our rankings, we’re slotting the perceived “higher-floor” TEs, or, more accurately, the more proven TEs, ahead of the favorable-matchup, boom-or-bust players. The extra two or three catches Ertz and Andrews could get won’t help them outscore, say, Hockenson or McDonald, if they get into the end zone, but the risk-reward balance swings toward the usually higher-volume players.
WEEK 9 PPR RANKINGS: Running back | Wide receiver
As far as deep sleepers, the matchups are also favorable for Noah Fant (vs. Browns) and Luke Willson (vs. Buccaneers), but in PPR, they’re even riskier because of their TD-or-bust natures. Jonnu Smith (@ Panthers) is interesting if Delanie Walker (ankle) is once again out, as he should see a bunch of targets again. He might actually be underranked here, so don’t be afraid to start him, especially if you had Walker.
WEEK 9: Waiver wire | FAAB planner | Trade values | Snap counts
Reminder: Check back for updates during the week.
WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS:
Y! cash | Y! GPP | DK cash | DK GPP | FD cash | FD GPP
Week 9 PPR Rankings: TEs
These rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.
Rank | Player |
1 | George Kittle, SF @ ARZ |
2 | Darren Waller, OAK vs. DET |
3 | Evan Engram, NYG vs. DAL |
4 | Travis Kelce, KC vs. MIN |
5 | Hunter Henry, LAC vs. GB |
6 | Zach Ertz, PHI vs. CHI |
7 | Mark Andrews, BAL vs. NE |
8 | Greg Olsen, CAR vs. TEN |
9 | T.J. Hockenson, DET @ OAK |
10 | Vance McDonald, PIT vs. IND |
11 | Jack Doyle, IND @ PIT |
12 | Eric Ebron, IND @ PIT |
13 | Cameron Brate, TB @ SEA |
14 | Jonnu Smith, TEN @ CAR |
15 | Jimmy Graham, GB @ LAC |
16 | Darren Fells, HOU vs. JAX (in UK) |
17 | Chris Herndon, NYJ @ MIA |
18 | Noah Fant, DEN vs. CLE |
19 | Luke Willson, SEA vs. TB |
20 | Benjamin Watson, NE @ BAL |
21 | Jason Witten, DAL @ NYG |
22 | Dallas Goedert, PHI vs. CHI |
23 | Kyle Rudolph, MIN @ KC |
24 | Tyler Kroft, BUF vs. WAS |
25 | Irv Smith Jr., MIN @ KC |
26 | Demetrius Harris, CLE @ DEN |
27 | Ricky Seals-Jones, CLE @ DEN |
28 | Mike Gesicki, MIA vs. NYJ |
29 | Trey Burton, CHI @ PHI |
30 | Jeremy Sprinkle, WAS @ BUF |
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