For the first time this season, the tight end position is actually interesting to rank! We just saw a ton of these players explode for national tight end day which was much needed. In order to help you set your lineups for week nine, I’ve ranked the top 24 quarterbacks and tight ends. These rankings are based on statistical analysis, matchup data, sportsbook data, and film. As always, good luck and let’s win some matchups!
Week 9 QB Rankings
Tier 1
1. Jalen Hurts vs JAC
2. Lamar Jackson vs DEN
3. Josh Allen vs MIA
4. Jayden Daniels @ NYG
Tier 2
5. Joe Burrow vs LV
6. Kirk Cousins vs DAL
7. Kyler Murray vs CHI
8. Patrick Mahomes vs TB
9. Baker Mayfield @ KC
Tier 3
10. Sam Darnold vs IND
11. Jared Goff @ GB
12. Bo Nix @ BAL
13. Caleb Williams @ ARI
14. Matthew Stafford @ SEA
Tier 4
15. Dak Prescott @ ATL
16. Geno Smith vs LAR
17. C.J. Stroud @ NYJ
18. Jordan Love vs DET
19. Tua Tagovailoa @ BUF
20. Jameis Winston vs LAC
Tier 5
21. Joe Flacco @ MIN
22. Aaron Rodgers vs HOU
23. Derek Carr @ CAR
24. Trevor Lawrence @ PHI
Must Start: QB
Jared Goff @ GB
ESPN Projection - QB21
For the FTR start of the week, the players that will be eligible for this list are all close to being ranked as a back-end QB1/TE1 based on ESPN’s PPR projections. Jared Goff has been getting disrespected this entire year, but QB21 is laughably bad by ESPN. I’m not saying that Goff will be a top-five quarterback this week, but I’m going beyond the obvious to find someone who belongs in the top 12. Goff is also a little banged up with an ankle injury, but it seems like everyone around the organization is confident he’ll play.
Facing off against the Packers, the Lions have an implied team total of 26 points per Roto Curve, which is 7th in the NFL. The game also has a 48.5 point over/under, according to BetMGM, and I could easily see this turning into a shootout. Goff is averaging 17.3 PPG (QB13) this year and we’ve seen him explode for over 20 points twice this season. Facing off against the Packers, this could easily be the third.
Week 9 TE Rankings
Tier 1
1. Travis Kelce vs TB
2. Brock Bowers @ CIN
3. Trey McBride vs CHI
4. David Njoku vs LAC
Tier 2
5. Cade Otton @ KC
6. Sam LaPorta @ GB
7. Evan Engram @ PHI
8. Kyle Pitts vs DAL
Tier 3
9. Dalton Kincaid vs MIA
10. Jake Ferguson @ ATL
11. Dalton Schultz @ NYJ
12. Mark Andrews vs DEN
13. Tucker Kraft vs DET
Tier 4
14. T.J. Hockenson vs IND
15. Zach Ertz @ NYG
16. Cole Kmet @ ARI
17. Noah Fant vs LAR
Tier 5
18. Hunter Henry @ TEN
19. Isaiah Likely vs DEN
20. Jonnu Smith @ BUF
21. Mike Gesicki vs LV
22. Will Dissly @ CLE
23. Tyler Conklin vs HOU
24. Taysom Hill @ CAR
Must Start: TE
Dalton Schultz @ NYJ
ESPN Projection - TE17
So far this year, Dalton Schultz has been unplayable, scoring 5.7 PPG, but that all changes in week nine. Coming into the year, there were three fantastic receivers in front of Schultz, and for week nine, all that’s left is the WR3 of the bunch, Tank Dell. I’m not saying that to take away from Dell, as he should be great this week, but Schultz is going to be able to earn targets as the number two option. Schultz has never been the most talented player ever, but last year, we saw him turn 88 targets into a 10 PPG season.
The matchup isn’t ideal for Schultz as the Jets have allowed the 8th fewest fantasy points (75.8) to tight ends this season. With that being said, Schultz is connected to C. J. Stroud, who, despite only scoring 14.8 PPG, has thrown for 1,948 yards. Take advantage of Schultz this week because this is one of the last opportunities you’ll have to start him.