Fantasy football managers have discovered that a tight end can significantly impact weekly results even on a less productive offense. A recent example is Cleveland's Harold Fannin Jr., who had his best performance of the season, despite the Browns facing another disappointing defeat.
In Week 9, there are several opportunities for tight ends whose recent performances indicate their roles are becoming more valuable. Greg Dulcich has an especially appealing matchup against Detroit, while Kyle Pitts may bounce back after Atlanta's poor offensive showing against Tampa Bay. On the other hand, some well-known players are up against defenses that have consistently limited tight ends' production in fantasy football.
To find the right starter, it's essential to consider receiving opportunities, the overall offensive circumstances, and how opponents defend the tight end position. Here are the tight ends to start and sit for Week 9 of the 2026 NFL season.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Start ‘Em: Tight Ends
Harold Fannin Jr., CLE (@ NO)
Harold Fannin Jr. has given fantasy managers several reasons to reassess his value over the past two weeks. The Browns tight end caught 10 of 12 targets for 154 yards against Pittsburgh, setting career highs in receptions, receiving yards, and targets, despite Cleveland's 27-6 loss. His performance followed another solid outing against Tennessee, where he recorded six receptions for 91 yards. Over these two games, Fannin has amassed 245 receiving yards on 16 catches, indicating that Cleveland is increasingly inclined to build its passing game around him.
Although the Browns have struggled offensively, their reliance on Fannin could enhance his value in PPR (points per reception) formats. When Cleveland falls behind, the offense requires reliable receivers who can generate completions underneath coverage, and Fannin has emerged as one of their most productive options. New Orleans presents a favorable matchup, having allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing tight ends. The Saints have also struggled to limit the efficiency of quarterbacks targeting tight ends, making Fannin particularly appealing.
Greg Dulcich, MIA (vs. DET)
Greg Dulcich has quietly emerged as an intriguing receiving option for Miami, and his matchup against Detroit might present the opportunity fantasy managers have been waiting for. The Dolphins' tight end caught four passes for 43 yards against New England in Week 8, following an impressive five-catch, 86-yard performance against the Jets. He has now recorded at least four receptions in four of his last five games.
His production becomes particularly noteworthy considering his lack of touchdowns. Dulcich has accumulated 256 receiving yards this season without scoring, which limits his overall fantasy value despite several encouraging performances.
However, Detroit's defense could finally change that. The Lions have been especially vulnerable to opposing tight ends, allowing 11 touchdowns to the position over the first seven games. This defensive weakness creates a favorable opportunity for Dulcich, especially if Miami seeks to exploit coverage near the goal line.
Kyle Pitts Sr., ATL (vs. CIN)
Kyle Pitts had a rough game against Tampa Bay, finishing with only two receptions for six yards as Atlanta lost 16-0. The Falcons completed just eight passes overall, which left little opportunity for Pitts and the rest of the receiving corps to produce meaningful statistics. His disappointing performance was indicative of a broader offensive collapse rather than a sudden exclusion from Atlanta's game plan.
Prior to that game, Pitts had scored four touchdowns in three games, catching five passes in each contest. His ability to stay involved near the end zone made him a valuable fantasy option, despite having relatively modest receiving yardage. Cincinnati presents a chance for Atlanta's offense to regain some momentum. The Bengals allowed Tennessee to score 36 points last weekend and have struggled significantly when defending athletic tight ends. This vulnerability might allow Pitts to find favorable matchups, especially if Atlanta uses him to attack the middle of the field.
Week 9 Fantasy Football Sit ‘Em: Tight Ends
Dalton Kincaid, BUF (@ MIN)
Dalton Kincaid enters Week 9 after a promising performance against Baltimore, where he scored 18.6 PPR fantasy points and benefited from an increase in receiving opportunities. Over the last two games, he has received 14 targets, indicating that Buffalo is becoming more comfortable involving him consistently in their passing attack.
However, facing Minnesota presents a challenging matchup for tight ends. The Vikings have allowed the fewest fantasy points per game to the position this season. In their first seven games, opposing tight ends have combined for just 22 receptions and 273 receiving yards without scoring a touchdown. This performance highlights how effectively Minnesota has prevented tight ends from becoming significant contributors to opposing offenses.
Buffalo has enough offensive talent to challenge the Vikings, and Kincaid's recent workload keeps him relevant. Nevertheless, his fantasy potential is much less appealing against a defense that has consistently limited scoring opportunities for tight ends. Managers with better alternatives might consider leaving Kincaid on the bench instead of assuming that his recent production will continue.
Dallas Goedert, PHI (vs. NYG)
Dallas Goedert is still getting significant playing time with the Philadelphia Eagles, but his fantasy production has taken a hit as the team struggles to move the ball effectively. In their recent game against Washington, he caught four passes for 30 yards, which offered limited value in Philadelphia's 27-10 loss.
Over the last three games, Goedert has a total of 15 receptions for 139 yards, maintaining a steady number of targets but failing to deliver the scoring production that fantasy managers expect. His ongoing touchdown drought is particularly concerning, as he has not found the end zone in the last five games. This has been exacerbated by the Eagles' offensive challenges, which have decreased the number of scoring opportunities near the goal line.
The upcoming matchup against the Giants presents another tough challenge, as they have allowed only two touchdowns to tight ends in their first seven games. While Goedert may still record several receptions—especially if the Eagles continue to utilize shorter passing plays—his limited yardage and uncertain chances of scoring make him a risky starting option.
Article Continues BelowDalton Schultz, HOU (@ LAC)
Dalton Schultz has struggled to establish reliable fantasy value, despite being involved in Houston's offense. He has failed to reach double-digit PPR fantasy points in five consecutive games, averaging around 6.3 points during that stretch. His receiving opportunities have not consistently resulted in significant yardage or touchdowns, creating frustration for managers who expected more production from an experienced tight end.
The upcoming match against the Chargers is unlikely to improve his situation. Los Angeles has been particularly effective at limiting opposing tight ends, allowing very few productive performances at that position. Even when opponents are able to sustain drives, the Chargers generally prevent tight ends from becoming reliable fantasy contributors.
Other Sits: Oronde Gadsden II, LAC (vs. HOU); Juwan Johnson, NO (vs. CLE).
Gadsden recorded five receptions for 52 yards against the Rams, but Houston presents a considerably less attractive matchup for tight ends. Johnson has experienced a significant decline in receiving opportunities, collecting just 10 targets across his last three games. Neither offers the consistency managers should prioritize in Week 9.
Final Takeaway
Fannin's increasing role in the receiving game makes him an attractive starter. Meanwhile, Dulcich and Pitts have chances to take advantage of favorable defensive matchups, but managers looking at Kincaid, Goedert, or Schultz should exercise caution, especially considering their opponents' ability to restrict tight end production.
While recent target volume is important, Week 9 highlights several instances where a challenging matchup can diminish the value of an otherwise reliable fantasy option.