Finding a reliable tight end on the waiver wire can be one of the toughest challenges in fantasy football, especially this late in the season. With so few players at the position delivering consistent production, managers often have to balance recent performances, target volume, and favorable matchups when making their streaming decisions. Week 9 offers a few intriguing possibilities, including a couple of players whose recent struggles make them difficult to trust. Whether you need a temporary starter or are simply searching for some upside, these four tight ends deserve consideration before setting your lineup.
Mike Gesicki, CIN (@ ATL)
Mike Gesicki delivered one of his most productive performances of the season in Week 8. He caught four of six targets for 76 yards and a touchdown during Cincinnati's thrilling overtime victory over the Tennessee Titans. His production was particularly encouraging because it came in the Bengals' first game since losing Erick All to a torn ACL. With All sidelined, Gesicki has an opportunity to occupy a more prominent role. His latest performance suggests he could capitalize on the increased responsibility.
Gesicki has now found the end zone in all six games he has played this season. That kind of consistency is difficult to overlook. Of course, his four receptions against Tennessee do not necessarily guarantee a major increase in weekly volume.
His Week 9 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons makes him an appealing option for managers searching for a tight end with some upside. Gesicki's touchdown streak and expanded opportunity give him a reasonable floor for a streamer. Consider him a high-end TE2 with the potential to outperform.
Juwan Johnson, NO (vs. CLE)
Juwan Johnson is a considerably tougher sell heading into Week 9. After opening the season with promising production, he has experienced a significant downturn. He caught just one of three targets for seven yards in New Orleans' loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 7. That continued a frustrating stretch that has made him increasingly difficult to trust in fantasy football lineups.
Johnson has managed just five receptions for 23 yards over his last three games. His production has been almost nonexistent in two of those contests. That level of inconsistency is difficult to justify.
The matchup against the Cleveland Browns could offer some hope. Still, Johnson needs to see more targets before fantasy managers can confidently consider him a viable streaming option. With Jordyn Tyson expected to return, Johnson could also face additional competition for opportunities in the Saints' offense.
Greg Dulcich, MIA (vs. DET)
Greg Dulcich is quietly becoming an intriguing streaming candidate. That's even if his Week 8 numbers were not particularly spectacular. He caught four of six targets for 43 yards in Miami's loss to the Patriots. He matched Caleb Douglas' receiving line exactly. The game also featured 43 total points, while Miami's top four receivers averaged 43 receiving yards apiece. It was an unusual collection of coincidences. The more important takeaway, though, is that Dulcich continues to earn opportunities.
He has recorded at least five targets and 37 receiving yards in each of his last three games. That consistency matters at tight end. Dulcich also gets an appealing matchup against the Detroit Lions in Week 9. Detroit has been one of the best matchups for opposing tight ends this season. He is not guaranteed to deliver a breakout outing, but his combination of steady targets and favorable opposition makes him one of the more attractive streaming options this week.
Eli Raridon, NE (vs. GB)
Eli Raridon had a frustrating afternoon in New England's victory over the Miami Dolphins. he caught just one of four targets for five yards. The lack of production was disappointing.
Article Continues BelowThere is, however, one interesting detail worth monitoring. Setting aside throwaways, Raridon was the intended target on all of Drake Maye's incompletions against Miami. That does suggest Raridon was involved in the quarterback's progressions. More importantly for fantasy purposes, he has received at least four targets in three of his last four games. That kind of volume offers a reason not to completely dismiss him. A player consistently earning opportunities can eventually turn those chances into a more useful fantasy football performance.
New England faces Green Bay in Week 9. He is worth monitoring in deeper leagues, but managers in standard formats should probably prioritize more established options.
Final Takeaway
Gesicki offers the clearest touchdown upside. Dulcich might be the most intriguing option based on recent target volume and matchup. Raridon and Johnson are deeper-league gambles. If you need a Week 9 tight end streamer, prioritize opportunity over reputation.