Finding the right fantasy football TE sleepers can make a huge impact in Week 9, especially for managers dealing with injuries, difficult matchups or tough start-sit decisions. Beyond the obvious weekly starters, several tight end sleepers could see increased opportunities this week.
Each week, we highlight five tight ends who have a path to outperform expectations because of their role, matchup, recent usage or opportunities in their offense. These picks can help season-long fantasy football managers looking for a sleeper or FLEX option, and we include DraftKings salaries for players in good spots to provide DFS value.
Best Fantasy Football TE Sleepers for Week 9
Here are five fantasy football TE sleepers to consider for Week 9. A quick analysis for each tight end is below.
- Eli Raridon, New England Patriots ($3,500)
- Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins ($3,100)
- Mason Taylor, New York Jets ($3,100)
- Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams ($3,000)
- Brevyn Spann-Ford, Dallas Cowboys ($2,900)
Eli Raridon, New England Patriots ($3,500)
Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Raridon had only one catch last week against the Dolphins, but he could be in for a larger workload in Week 9 since Hunter Henry (foot) is questionable. Raridon played 93% of snaps last week and has been a solid blocker while mixing in some nice pass-catching weeks. He has two games of 10+ FPTS in his last four weeks, and with A.J. Brown (ankle/knee) out again this week, targets should be available in the Patriots’ passing attack.
Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins ($3,100)
Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Dulcich tied for the team lead in targets last week, getting six targets from Malik Willis, who spread the ball around against the Patriots. Dulcich had four catches for 43 yards in that matchup and has had at least four catches in three straight games. He hasn’t found the end zone yet this year, but has 22 catches for 256 receiving yards. In Week 9, he has a great matchup against the Lions, who have allowed the most FPTS per game to TE this season.
Mason Taylor, New York Jets ($3,100)
Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Taylor had a monster week in Week 7 with two touchdowns and 25.2 FPTS against the Dolphins. He had a strong matchup last week against the Raiders, but he only had three catches for 19 yards and 4.9 FPTS. He was limited in practice by a back injury but does not have an injury designation and brings a high ceiling against the Chiefs, who have allowed the fifth-most FPTS to TE.
Colby Parkinson, Los Angeles Rams ($3,000)
Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Parkinson missed last week’s game with a rib injury, but he was able to get a limited practice on Friday and is questionable to play on Sunday. If he does, he’ll be in a favorable matchup against the Commanders, who have allowed the second-most FPTS per game to TEs. Before the injury, Parkinson had back-to-back games with five catches, producing 14.1 FPTS against the Cardinals and 9.8 FPTS against the Raiders. If he is active, he has a strong chance to be involved and productive against the Commanders
Brevyn Spann-Ford, Dallas Cowboys ($2,900)
Why he’s a Week 9 fantasy football sleeper: Spann-Ford has been getting more work lately, and he could be even more involved with Jake Ferguson (ankle) questionable. He has already logged multiple receptions in three straight games, catching four passes on five targets in Week 6 and matching those numbers in Week 8. He played a much larger role after Ferguson’s exit and could get a chance to build on his success. Spann-Ford and the Cowboys have a top-10 matchup for TE against the Colts, and if he steps into a starting role, he could end up a great bargain TE under $3,000.
Last Week’s Fantasy Football TE Sleeper Results
Here’s how our five fantasy football TE sleeper picks performed last week:
- Mason Taylor, New York Jets: 4.9 FPTS
- Eli Raridon, New England Patriots: 1.5 FPTS
- Greg Dulcich, Miami Dolphins: 8.3 FPTS
- Davis Allen, Los Angeles Rams: 2.8 FPTS
- Elijah Higgins, Arizona Cardinals: 3.0 FPTS
- Should you add Eli Raridon for Week 9 if Hunter Henry sits?
- Is Braelon Allen the Jets’ No. 1 RB even with Breece Hall expected to return in Week 9?
- Should you stash Terrance Ferguson on the Week 9 waiver wire?
- Should you stash Seth McGowan amid Jonathan Taylor trade rumors in Week 9?
- Is Emmett Johnson worth a Week 9 waiver claim after his breakout?
- Is Blake Corum a strong FLEX play in Week 9 vs. Commanders?
Fantasy Football TE Sleepers FAQ
Who are the best fantasy football TE sleepers for Week 9?
Eli Raridon, Greg Dulcich, Mason Taylor, Colby Parkinson and Brevyn Spann-Ford are five tight ends to consider as fantasy football sleepers for Week 9.
What is a fantasy football TE sleeper?
A fantasy football TE sleeper is a tight end outside the most obvious weekly starters who has an opportunity to outperform expectations because of factors such as an expanded role, increased targets, injuries, recent usage or a favorable matchup.
Can these TE sleepers also be used in DraftKings DFS lineups?
Some fantasy football TE sleepers can also provide DFS value when their DraftKings salary does not fully reflect their projected role or upside. DraftKings salaries are included above to help identify players who may be useful in both season-long fantasy football and DFS contests.
