These 2009 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2009 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2009 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other things.
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings – Tight Ends:
Last Updated: Sept. 4, 2009
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends 1-12 | Tight Ends 13-32
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Jermichael Finley, Packers. Bye: 5. 
AUG. 30 UPDATE: Aaron Rodgers targeted Jermichael Finley three times Saturday night. Finley caught all three balls for 46 yards. Finley didn’t start, but it’s time to seriously consider him as an intriguing option in deeper leagues.
AUG. 24 UPDATE: Aaron Rodgers targeted Jermichael Finley three times Saturday night. Finley caught all three balls for 46 yards. Finley didn’t start, but it’s time to seriously consider him as an intriguing option in deeper leagues.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: Jermichael Finley has had a tremendous training camp in all aspects, including blocking. Aaron Rodgers even called him “unguardable.” Finley could break into the starting lineup and emerge as a sleeper.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 660 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 96.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 129.
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Heath Miller, Steelers. Bye: 8.
Heath Miller struggled early in 2008 and then missed some time with an ankle injury. Miller returned in Week 12, and including the playoffs, he averaged 4.2 receptions and 54.1 yards per game in nine contests. He also scored three touchdowns.
Now that Miller is healthy again and Nate Washington is gone, we could see the Steelers tight end revert back to his pre-2008 production. Miller is vastly undervalued.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 650 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 95.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 151.
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Visanthe Shiancoe, Vikings. Bye: 9.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Brett Favre found Visanthe Shiancoe for two impressive throws for 30 yards Monday night. He also completed another 11-yard pass to Shiancoe, but that was wiped out by a penalty.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: Visanthe Shiancoe dropped passes as if there was no tomorrow early in his career. However, something changed, and Shiancoe finally learned to catch the football last year. Shiancoe consequently went on to catch 42 passes for 596 yards and seven touchdowns.
Shiancoe should once again produce like a borderline TE1, though a healthy Sidney Rice could take some of Shiancoe’s end-zone looks away.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 46 catches. 575 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 93.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 139.
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Brent Celek, Eagles. Bye: 4.
AUG. 9 UPDATE: Brent Celek owners, rest assured – your tight end will start every game for the Eagles this year, barring injury. It’s unfortunate, but rookie tight end Cornelius Ingram tore the same ACL for the second year in a row. I didn’t think Ingram would contribute much this season, but we know now that Celek will be on the field often.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: Though he looks like an awkward eighth-grade kid who stands on the opposite side of the gym from all of the girls at a middle-school dance, Brent Celek flashed his potential in the NFC Championship, where he caught 10 passes for 83 yards and two touchdowns.
L.J. Smith is gone, so Celek has no competition at tight end. Donovan McNabb loves to spread the ball around, so don’t expect anything great. Celek is a borderline TE1 depending on the matchup.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 610 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 91.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 145.
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Chris Baker, Patriots. Bye: 8.
Tom Brady targeted Chris Baker twice in the end zone. Baker caught three balls for 22 yards and a pair of scores. Baker was signed as a blocking tight end, but he’s very draftable if Brady is looking his way in the red zone. Ben Watson, whom I’ve been high on, did not play (he’s apparently in Bill Belichick’s doghouse.)
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 43 catches. 540 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 90.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 133.
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Kevin Boss, Giants. Bye: 10. 
Kevin Boss didn’t put up many catches (33) or yards (384) in 2008, but he scored six times, making him valuable in Touchdown Leagues. Unless Hakeem Nicks makes an instant impact as a rookie, Boss will continue to be Manning’s favorite end-zone target.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 410 yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 125.
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Anthony Fasano, Dolphins. Bye: 6.
Anthony Fasano opened the 2008 season with a bang, catching eight passes for 84 yards and a touchdown. The following week, Fasano failed to log a single reception. Fasano failed to register more than three catches in any game the rest of the year. However, he remained valuable in Touchdown Leagues, as he scored seven times in his first season with the Dolphins.
Now in his second year in Miami, Fasano should be more involved in the offense. Unfortunately, he’s reduced to a mere blocker when the Dolphins play in the Wildcat.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 525 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 122.
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Randy McMichael, Rams. Bye: 9.
Randy McMichael played in only four games last year because he suffered a season-ending leg injury in early October. He’ll be back, but he’ll be forced to learn the West Coast offense for the first time in his career. McMichael has never scored more than five touchdowns in a single season, so don’t expect much.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 525 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 76.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 121.
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Vernon Davis, 49ers. Bye: 6.
AUG. 15 UPDATE: Vernon Davis caught two passes for 41 yards in the preseason opener. Shaun Hill played just one series, but targeted Davis right away.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: Vernon Davis did nothing most of the year, but maybe Mike Singletary’s bare rear end got through to him. In the final four weeks of the season, Davis had 12 catches for 95 yards. That doesn’t seem like much, but Davis had 10 games where he caught one pass or less in 2008.
Mike Martz is gone, so Davis’ production could bounce back to what it was in 2007 (52 rec., 509 yards, 4 TDs).
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 510 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 75.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 120.
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Jared Cook, Titans. Bye: 7.
Jared Cook started Saturday night and was targeted three times by Kerry Collins. Cook caught all three balls for 12, 9 and 4 yards. I’d say Cook would make a decent TE2 for you, but I’d never recommend drafting two tight ends.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 490 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 67.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 107.
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Tony Scheffler, Broncos. Bye: 7. 
Tony Scheffler is a perennial tight end sleeper of mine. Well, not this year. Josh McDaniels wanted to downgrade the quarterback position because Jay Cutler and his strong arm didn’t fit his system. With Kyle Orton in the mix, Scheffler’s production will go down. There’s also a chance that the Broncos trade Scheffler, so watch out for that.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 430 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 61.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 101.
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Marcedes Lewis, Jaguars. Bye: 7.
Marcedes Lewis had career-highs in receptions (41) and yards (489) last year, but it’s worth noting that the Jaguars were forced to throw early and often because their defense was so miserable. Thus, Lewis’ targets went up. Despite that, Lewis still had just two touchdowns – also a career high.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 37 catches. 425 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 60.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 97.
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Martellus Bennett, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: With all the talk of using two-tight end sets this season, Martellus Bennett sure hasn’t done anything. Tony Romo went to Bennett only once Saturday night. Bennett dropped a pass that would have been good for a gain of 15 yards.
AUG. 22 UPDATE: For all of the talk of Martellus Bennett being a huge weapon this year, he was targeted only once by Romo on Friday night, though it was a 17-yard reception. Keep an eye on Bennett, as he’ll be worth picking up if Jason Witten gets hurt.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: The Cowboys didn’t waste any time getting the ball to Martellus Bennett in the preseason opener; he was the first Cowboy to catch a pass. Bennett simply ran over Raider corner Chris Johnson, who looked like a little kid trying to make a tackle. Bennett is an imposing figure and should be good for around 400 yards this year. He’ll put up monstrous numbers if Jason Witten gets hurt, so monitor that situation.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 410 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 59.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 89.
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Bo Scaife, Titans. Bye: 7.
Bo Scaife somehow had 10 receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown against the Bears in Week 10. Scaife also logged seven receptions for 72 yards versus Baltimore in Week 5, and six catches for 105 yards against the Jaguars in Week 1. However, Scaife also had five games where he notched two catches or less.
Unfortunately for Scaife’s fantasy numbers, the Titans drafted Kenny Britt and Jared Cook, both of whom will eat into Scaife’s targets. Unaware fantasy owners may draft Scaife too early.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 46 catches. 450 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 57.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 103.
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Brandon Pettigrew, Lions. Bye: 7.
AUG. 20 UPDATE: Will Brandon Pettigrew ever practice again? Pettigrew was sidelined with a thigh injury on July 31 and didn’t return until Aug. 9. Three days later, Pettigrew was sidelined again and hasn’t practiced since. Avoid drafting him in any non-keeper league.
PREVIOUS UPDATES: Brandon Pettigrew will be overdrafted in your league. Trust me.
Detroit’s offensive line is garbage. It’ll need all of the support it can get, and guess where that’s going to come from? That’s right. Pettigrew can definitely catch the football over the middle of the field, but his specialty is blocking. Without an NFL-caliber left tackle, Pettigrew will be kept in far too often to be a factor in fantasy football.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 31 catches. 375 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 55.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 86.
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Donald Lee, Packers. Bye: 5.
The Packers have too many weapons for Donald Lee to be effective. Jermichael Finley will also contribute more in his second year.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 28 catches. 290 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 47.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 75.
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Billy Miller, Saints. Bye: 5.
Billy Miller stepped up when Jeremy Shockey was out of the lineup last year. He’ll be worth a look as a waiver-wire pickup if Shockey goes down again.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 31 catches. 380 yards. 1 total TD.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 44.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 75.
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Robert Royal, Browns. Bye: 9.
The Browns brought in Robert Royal to be their blocking tight end. Translation – Royal will catch about two passes per week.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 30 catches. 310 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 43.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 73.
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Todd Heap, Ravens. Bye: 7. 
Remember when Todd Heap used to catch 70 passes for 750 yards every year? It’s a shame, but Heap’s career has been ruined by injuries. And guess what – Heap has missed minicamp this year because of (surprise) a back problem. What a shame.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 24 catches. 275 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 63.
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L.J. Smith, Ravens. Bye: 7.
If you want an inconsistent tight end who drops tons of passes and gets hurt every week, then by all means, take L.J. Smith in the first round of your fantasy draft.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Stats: 27 catches. 250 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2009 Fantasy Points: 37.
Projected 2009 PPR Fantasy Points: 64.
2009 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends 1-12 | Tight Ends 13-32
More 2010 Fantasy Football Articles:
2010 Fantasy Football: Home
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2010 Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings - 1/5 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Week 17 Fantasy Rankings - 1/2 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 8/31 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 6/6 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/6 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 7/3 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 7/14 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 8/31 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 7/20 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/10 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/11 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Auction Values - 9/2 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: IDP Defensive Linemen - 8/3 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: IDP Linebackers - 8/7 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: IDP Defensive Backs - 8/14 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Team-by-Team - 6/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Dynasty Rookie Rankings - 4/30 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Rookie Rankings - 4/29 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2010 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 Traditional - 9/6 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 PPR - 9/6 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 150 Touchdown League - 9/6 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Rankings: Downloadable Spreadsheets - 9/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: WF.com Free League - 9/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: Real Traditional Draft - 9/1 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: Real PPR Draft - 8/26 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: Real PPR Draft - 8/18 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: Real Experts PPR Draft - 8/12 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Experts Mock Draft - 8/12 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Draft: Pros vs. Joes - 7/28 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR Draft with AKA - 7/20 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Mocking ESPN's Fantasy Mock Draft - 7/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: The Four-Man PPR Fantasy Draft - 7/1 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Articles:
2010 Fantasy Football Injury Reports: Week 17 - 1/2 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Start Em, Sit Em - 12/29 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Add/Drop - 12/20 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Stock Index - Week 8 - 10/29 (John)
2010 Fantasy Football Buffet: Week 8 - 10/28 (Steve)
2010 Fantasy Football Stock - 9/7 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/3 (Walt)
2010 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/3 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: High-Upside Late-Round Sleepers - 8/25 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Top 12 Players to Avoid - 8/25 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Undervalued Players - 8/13 (John)
2010 Fantasy Football: Buy Low - 8/6 (Walt)
ESPN's 2010 Fantasy Football Magazine Errors - 8/3 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Defense Strategy - 8/2 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: My Round-by-Round Strategy - 7/27 (Walt)
Lack of 2010 Fantasy Depth: Blame the 2008 NFL Draft Class - 7/26 (John)
2010 Fantasy Football: Why You Should Pass on Chris Johnson - 7/14 (John)
2010 Fantasy Football: Draft Strategies - 7/13 (John)
2010 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Scarcity - 6/30 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers (Late-Round) - 6/2 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Sleepers (Mid-Round) - 6/1 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Busts - 5/31 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football Mailbag - 5/29 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Quarterbacks with New Receivers - 5/1 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: 2010 NFL Draft Stock Up - 4/29 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: 2010 NFL Draft Stock Down - 4/29 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Free Agency Stock Up - 4/15 (Walt)
2010 Fantasy Football: Free Agency Stock Down - 4/12 (Walt)
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NFL Picks - Nov. 20
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 20
NFL Power Rankings - Nov. 19
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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