The San Francisco 49ers and Pittsburgh Steelers are both on byes this week, meaning fantasy owners of tight ends like George Kittle and Pat Freiermuth will have to look elsewhere for production.

The tight end position is often slagged for its disappointing output, but they delivered a historic performance last week. Tight ends accounted for 177 receptions (most in NFL history by a single position), 1,965 receiving yards (second), and 16 TDs (tied for eighth) on "National Tight Ends Day."

Fantasy players received terrific performances across the board as tight ends across the league will look to replicate that success in Week 9.

Fantasy teams constantly face difficult start-sit decisions for their tight ends. Week 9 brings a new opportunity for your team to make a statement and playoff push. Here is a breakdown of who you should start and who you should sit at tight end in Week 9 of the fantasy football season.

Fantasy football start 'em: Week 9 TEs

TJ Hockenson, Vikings vs. Colts

The Vikings will meet the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9 on "Sunday Night Football." Minnesota will get back their star tight end for the first time in 2024 since he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in December 2023. If you roster Hockenson, you should start him this week.

According to reports, Hockenson will be a full-go when he returns to the field, and his snaps will not be limited. The 27-year-old tight end had a career-best season before his injury last season. He should pick up right where he left off against the Colts defense.

Gus Bradley's defense is always best attacked in the middle, shallow areas of the field. Indy has allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. They are tied with the second-most receptions allowed to the position. Don't hesitate to start "Hock."

Mike Gesicki, Bengals vs. Raiders

The Raiders' defense has been close to league-average against tight ends, but Gesicki is coming off his best game of the season. He reeled in 7-of-9 targets for 73 yards against the Eagles.

The Bengals were downed by the Eagles and are desperate to return to the win column. There should be plenty of scoring opportunities for Cincy in this one as 7-point favorites. Tee Higgins injured his quad in practice last Friday and missed last week's game. If the wideout is sidelined or limited, Gesicki becomes a top streaming option.

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Noah Fant, Seahawks vs. Rams

Noah Fant was a recommended start last week against the Bills and he's getting the nod again here in Week 9. He finished with just three grabs for 22 yards but had a respectable 67% route participation. Heading into the matchup with the Rams, Seahawks star wide receiver DK Metcalf is still dealing with a knee injury. This can lead to limited snaps if he's active and more targets available in the offense.

Los Angeles ranks 32nd in defensive DVOA against tight ends. The Rams have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends. Fant can provide some upside for fantasy managers this week.

Fantasy football sit 'em: Week 9 TEs

Tucker Kraft, Packers vs. Lions

The Packers host the Detroit Lions in a massive Week 9 NFC North clash. Last week, Jordan Love left the game against the Jaguars with a groin injury and is day-to-day as of Thursday morning. Malik Willis will be in line to start for Green Bay If Love is out.

The Lions' defense has held opposing tight ends in check. They have allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to the position. Only the Texans have allowed fewer receptions to tight ends. It may seem crazy to bench the current fourth overall tight end, but he hasn't exceeded three receptions in a game since Week 5. With the Packers on a bye in Week 10 it's plausible they opt to rest Love and allow him plenty of time to heal his injuries. In the two games Willis started, Kraft finished with 3 and 4 fantasy points.

Dalton Kincaid, Bills vs. Dolphins

The Bills' second-year tight end hasn't delivered the elite production fantasy owners who drafted him were hoping for in 2024. He has finished as a top-ten tight end just twice in the first eight games of the season. Buffalo hosts Miami in Week 9, and the matchup isn't appealing. The Dolphins have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. In the Week 2 meeting with Miami, Kincaid finished with 4 receptions for 33 yards.

Keon Coleman is emerging, Khalil Shakir is a steady target option, and the acquisition of Amari Cooper has pushed Kincaid down the totem pole as a receiving option for Josh Allen. He is approaching touchdown dependency.

Fantasy football start 'em, sit 'ems, Week 9

→ Kickers are people, too: Here are some of the most clutch kickers to have on your fantasy team in Week 9.

→ The wide receiver position has been decimated this season. Protect yourself in Week 9 with start 'em, sit 'em advice for wideouts.

→ Need an edge under center? Here are the best quarterback options to start and to sit in Week 9.

→ A good running back makes all the difference. A bad running back can cost you a lot of points. Here's who to start and who to sit in Week 9.

→ A good defense can shut down your fantasy opponent's offense. Here are some D/ST options to start and sit for Week 9.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Fantasy football Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Week 9: 5 TEs to start or sit