2025 Fantasy Football: Week 9 Tight End Sleepers and Streamers

With four teams on bye the tight ends are taking a big hit — but there are still some productive options on the wire.

Before making any rash drops, hold tight on the following players heading into their bye: Mason Taylor, Harold Fannin, Cade Otton, David Njoku.

Teams on Bye for Week 9: Browns, Jets, Buccaneers, Eagles

Before we dive in, double-check your waiver wire for these players in case they slipped through:

Evan Engram, Juwan Johnson, Tayson Hill, Theo Johnson

More Week 9 Fantasy Football Fun!: | Sneaky Starts | Fantasy Football Waiver Wire | Weekly Sleepers & Streamers | Starts & Sits | Skrip’s Week Winners | NFL DFS | NFL Player Props | IDP Analysis | Bold Predictions | Survivor Picks | NFL Injury Report | Dynasty Trade Targets | Weekly Rankings | Dynasty Risers and Fallers

Week 9 Tight End Streamers

Colston Loveland, Chicago Bears

Loveland graduates into the streamers section this week after stepping into an every-down role with Cole Kmet sidelined by a back injury. Kmet didn’t practice at all last week; another start is likely on deck for the rookie.

Loveland played 80.9% of the snaps with a 78% route share and an 11.7% target share, per PFF, in Week 8. He turned that usage into just three receptions for 38 yards, but the underlying volume is what matters here. The Bengals have allowed the most schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to tight ends this season, putting Loveland in a prime position to smash as a streamer.

If Kmet suits up, Loveland loses some of his appeal. However, Luther Burden left with a concussion, and his status doesn’t look good. Loveland’s usage and matchup make him a legit case as a top-12 option for managers scrambling with four teams on bye. He’s slowly becoming more involved in Chicago’s offense, and this week’s matchup is too good to ignore.

AJ Barner/ Elijah Arroyo, Seattle Seahawks

Both tight ends are intriguing dart throws, but A.J. Barner remains the safer bet. Despite catching just one pass for seven yards in Week 7 before Seattle’s bye, Barner has quietly been one of the most efficient TEs in football — converting 18 of 22 targets into receptions and finding the end zone four times already.

Seattle faces a Washington defense that has allowed 97 points over its last three games, and both Barner and Elijah Arroyo should benefit from that defensive generosity. Barner is still the 1A in this duo and holds more touchdown upside, especially in standard leagues. That said, Arroyo’s growing role makes him a name to monitor in deeper formats.

Week 9 Tight End Sleepers

Gunner Helm, Tennessee Titans

Keep an eye on Gunner Helm, especially with the Titans likely to be sellers at the deadline. If Chig Okonkwo is moved — and with his contract expiring, that’s very possible — Helm could become Cam Ward’s starting tight end sooner than later.

Helm has quietly been producing, averaging four targets and 7.2 PPR points per game over the past four weeks, with 10.3 points last Sunday. He’s shown steady involvement and has scored 7.4+ points in three of his last four outings.

Ja’Tavion Sanders, Carolina Panthers

Ja’Tavion Sanders made his return from injury in Week 8, and while the Bills handled the Panthers easily, it was encouraging to see him back in the mix. Before the injury, Sanders had drawn 14 targets in a three-week span with Bryce Young under center — and that connection could reignite as the offense stabilizes.

The good news: Young should be back against the Packers, and the game script will likely have Carolina throwing from behind. Sanders’ athletic profile and pre-injury usage make him a worthwhile stash in deeper leagues and a potential streamer if he starts seeing red-zone looks again.