Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em: Week 9 TEs Include Kyle Pitts

The tight end position for fantasy football has been a bit wild this season. There are certified studs, then there are a few solid contributors that most fantasy owners are choosing to ignore. Regardless, there are decisions to be made with this volatile position this week. We’ll look to help you with some Week 9 fantasy football start ’em, sit ’em help below.

Obviously, there are some players who are must-start every single week due to where you drafted them, such as TJ Hockenson, Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce. However, after the top couple of tiers at the tight end position, you may be playing the matchup more than the player himself. To help you through these tough decisions, check out our weekly fantasy football rankings and read on for our Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em analysis at TE.

Wide Receivers — Week 9 Fantasy Football Start/Sit

Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em: Week 9 TEs

Start: Kyle Pitts Fantasy Outlook vs Vikings

The Atlanta Falcons have a switch at quarterback (finally), with Taylor Heinicke now taking snaps. This should provide a boost to the entire Atlanta passing game, including the high-potential tight end Kyle Pitts.

I’ve been saying for a long time how the take that the Falcons don’t use Kyle Pitts is ignorant and lazy. It’s just plain wrong. In fact, he leads all tight ends in air yards by a wide margin. He has 521 air yards this season, while Travis Kelce is second (470). This hasn’t translated to production for two big reasons. First, Desmond Ridder. Second, Kyle Pitts himself.

We’ve eliminated one of the issues. With Heinicke throwing the ball, Kyle Pitts doesn’t become an incredible performer, since he’s not an incredible talent. Still, he will improve. His role could be larger this week as well, depending on the health of Drake London. The matchup is middle-of-the-road overall. Including Kyle Pitts in this Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em is mostly due to the personnel changes.

Start: Jake Ferguson Fantasy Outlook at Eagles

Jake Ferguson is a very balanced tight end, who is a decent blocker and also has all of the tools to be a receiver. This is the skillset the Dallas Cowboys look for. The issue for him this season has been Dallas using more of a committee approach at the position. However, he has now played at least 80% of the snaps in back-to-back games, and Jake Ferguson fantasy owners were rewarded last week.

In Week 8, Ferguson had four catches for 47 yards and a touchdown. This week, he has a big divisional game against the Philadelphia Eagles. The Philly defense is average against fantasy TEs. Most importantly, Dallas will likely have to pass in order to move the ball effectively, and Ferguson should have his fair share of targets from Dak Prescott in this divisional rivalry.

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Sit: Jonnu Smith Fantasy Outlook vs Vikings

One Falcons tight end is listed as a “start” while the other is a “sit” in this Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em. Jonnu Smith’s role actually hasn’t changed in this offense, and I don’t expect it to change going forward. He will continue to play heavy snaps, as he is a much more effective blocker. So, why is he a “sit” now?

Simply, the targets aren’t going his way. Other fantasy football tight ends have emerged over the past several weeks, yet many owners are still starting Jonnu Smith. Simply, his mention here is to say you shouldn’t be blindly starting him. Take a look at the waiver wire and you will likely find a more consistent option or a tight end with more upside.

Sit: Taysom Hill Fantasy Outlook vs Bears

Last week, I didn’t like Taysom Hill for fantasy football and I disagreed with all of the “analysts” who were saying he has a weekly role as a true tight end. I was correct, as Hill had one catch. However, the other industry folks were bailed out by Hill’s role running the ball. Once again, the only thing we know about Taysom Hill is that he’s inconsistent. So, why is he being ranked as a TE1 by the industry consensus when he has no consistency in a role? I’m more willing to bet on Hill not scoring a touchdown than the reverse.

Check my fantasy football rankings, since you may have a better option, such as the two “starts” in this Fantasy Football Start ’em, Sit ’em article.