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. For individual TE player analysis, check our standard TE rankings.

WEEK 9 DFS LINEUPS:Y! cash | Y! GPP | DK cash | DK GPP | FD cash | FD GPP

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Week 9 PPR Rankings: TEs

MORE WEEK 9 DFS: Stacks | Values | Lineup builder

These rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.