National Tight End Day has come and gone; with her, there is some hope for the tight end position moving forward. In Week 9, Cade Otton, Kyle Pitts, Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Trey McBride all scored more than 20 fantasy points. Four other tight ends ended with more than 16 fantasy points on Sunday. More than 15 tight ends posted double-digit fantasy totals. They also produced 19 touchdowns, the most in a single week since Week 17 of 2022.

Fantasy managers are hoping that trend continues in Week 9. After all, Kittle and Pat Freiermuth will both take this week off due to their bye weeks.

There are no bye weeks in fantasy, so let’s break down the RotoBaller Week 9 starters and settle on the final position.

Be sure to check them all out fantasy football standings for 2024:

Tucker Kraft – TE, Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions

Only nine tight ends are averaging 10 or more fantasy points per game this season in PPR formats, and Tucker Kraft happens to be one of them. In standard scoring, Kraft sits behind only George Kittle in fantasy thanks to his five touchdown catches, which are tied for fourth among pass catchers this season.

We often don’t consider collected cards as important post-capture producers. However, it should be noted that Kraft is averaging a staggering 8.25 yards after the catch in his career, the most at the position since the start of the 2022 season.

Tucker Kraft with some serious YAC!

: #GBvsJAX on FOX
: pic.twitter.com/9l2P89UmI5

— NFL (@NFL) October 27, 2024

Like Evan Engram, Kraft’s matchup isn’t great. The Detroit Lions have allowed just nine fantasy points per game at the position over the past four weeks, and Jordan Love suffered a groin injury during last week’s contest against the Jaguars. Love’s status is still unknown, which could turn this start into a scrimmage considering that in Malik Willis’ two starts, Kraft has seen just five targets, hauling in four for 40 yards.

Then again, Kraft’s touchdown last week came courtesy of Willis, so I’ll choose to use that as it fits my narrative. Has 12 or more fantasy points in four of last five games.

Evan Engram – TE, Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles

Engram may be the last man standing in Jacksonville. Christian Kirk was lost for the season Sunday after breaking his collarbone. Brian Thomas Jr. was out early last week with a chest/rib injury, which puts his status for this week in question.

Jacksonville’s offense is starting to look like something we haven’t seen in a while. Last week, Trevor Lawrence completed 21 of 32 passes for 308 yards and a pair of passing touchdowns, one of which found its way into Engram’s hands. With Kirk done for the season and Thomas a name to watch on the injury report, Engram will need more if the Jaguars want to repeat that offensive performance in Week 9.

Evan Engram jumps over everyone for that TD pic.twitter.com/wrHNlhXlwl

— Fitz (@LaurieFitzptrck) October 27, 2024

The matchup with the Eagles this week is less favorable, but Engram might be the only option available to Lawrence in the passing game. Philadelphia has been stellar over the past four weeks, allowing just 7.26 fantasy points per game to the position.

Consider Engram a volume-driven start this week and beyond as he projects to be a top-5 fantasy tight end for the rest of the season. Last season, when Kirk was available, Engram averaged 7.5 targets per game. Without Kirk, the goals increased to 10.2 per contest.

Noah Fant – TE, Seattle Seahawks vs. Los Angeles Rams

Nothing Noah Fant has done this season should excite fantasy managers. His 55 fantasy points through eight weeks ranks 20th at the position. His 6.9 fantasy points per game ranks 24th.

So why am I loving Fant this week? In two of his last three contests, Fant has posted double-digit fantasy production, and the Rams matchup is a good one for fantasy tight ends. Los Angeles ranks in the top 5 in receiving yards, yards per reception and fantasy points generated per game at the position.

If you need a TE streamer for Week 9…

Noah Fant should be at the top of your list

LAR vs. TE this season:

Fourth most receiving yards per game allowed
The fourth highest meters per reception is allowed
Second most fantasy points per game allowed

— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) October 28, 2024

Through the 2024 campaign, the Rams have allowed an average of 15.81 fantasy points per game, and over the past four weeks, that number has increased to 18.13 per contest, the fourth most. Along the way, they had 29 receptions, 234 receiving yards and a pair of touchdowns.

I mentioned Kraft’s yards by his catch numbers. Surprisingly, Fant ranked 10th in YAC among tight ends from 2022-24, averaging 4.92 yards after contact. Through last week, Fant had caught 21 of 21 targets for 238 yards, an average of 11.3 yards per target.

Zach Ertz – TE, Washington Commanders at New York Giants

In terms of pleasant surprises, Zach Ertz has been one so far this season, currently sitting as the 13th fantasy TE and averaging 9.3 fantasy points per game. Last week, Ertz finished with 14 fantasy points thanks to his seven receptions for 77 yards in that Miracle in Maryland.

This week, business will certainly succeed against a New York Giants defense that has allowed fewer than eight fantasy points to the position on a per-game basis this season. I love a good game called “Cat and Mouse”. This week, Jayden Daniels will play the role of the mouse as the New York Giants once again look to extend their league-leading sack total and loss.

Let’s assume the Giants continue to apply the pressure we’re used to. In that case, it’s reasonable to suggest that the Chiefs will try to run some pulls with Brian Robinson Jr. and Daniels, not to mention some quick screens to slow down the Giants’ pass rush, which will reduce the opportunity rate of to Ertz this week.

Jake Ferguson – TE, Dallas Cowboys at Atlanta Falcons

I have no problem admitting that I can occasionally become a despised fantasy manager. Jake Ferguson became the apple of my eye last week after producing just 23 yards on six receptions, averaging 3.8 yards per reception against the 49ers.

The confrontation is not terrible. Atlanta is in the middle of the pack when it comes to defending opposing tight ends this season. However, if Ferguson isn’t producing yardage, he needs touchdowns.

People will see Cade Otton’s monster performance and think Ferguson is a hit play this week. Rust has to be earned, and if Otton was Mr. Hyde, Ferguson was more like Dr. Jekyll.

As a complete side note, Otton is also a must-start tight end. That two-touchdown, nine-reception performance last week without Mike Evans and Chris Godwin is too good to ignore.

Dalton Kincaid – TE, Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins

Even Dalton Kincaid got in on the action on National Handjob Day, which is good for him. Yesterday was like a birthday party for tight ends. Everyone was excited, there were presents and games, and then the next day, you wake up a year older and sick from all the cake you stuffed down your throat. Okay, maybe it’s just me.

It’s time to wake up again to Kincaid and his fantasy stock. Unfortunately, Kincaid has only produced two double-digit fantasy performances in eight weeks. His 8.8 fantasy points per game are less than Mark Andrews, who everyone gave up on early in the season. Kincaid is TE16 and has been more of a gimmick than a treat so far.

If you’re dressing as a tight end this Halloween season, I’d avoid knocking on the Miami Dolphins’ door. Miami is just as likely to steal your candy as they are to give you an “L.” Over the past four weeks, Miami has allowed a league-low 3.87 fantasy points per game and given up just 56 yards on six receptions.

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