The New York Jets will face the Houston Texans in Week 9. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, especially regarding TE Tyler Conklin.
Is Tyler Conklin Playing in Week 9?
Conklin is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he is on track to play this weekend.
We’ll continue to monitor the Jets’ injury report. You can also visit and bookmark our NFL Injury Tracker and Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Tyler Conklin in Week 9?
Conklin caught a two-yard touchdown pass in traffic on Sunday and now has an end-zone target in three of his past four games. Of course, there is a low floor to consider here (three straight games with under five targets and four games this season with no more than 10 receiving yards), but it is clear that Aaron Rodgers trusts him as the end zone comes into focus.
I’m betting against Conklin long-term, but for now, he’s a viable option with the role inside the 20. The Texans are allowing a league-high 6.3% of short passes to result in touchdowns — that is where this big tight end can win. Conklin is near the top of my touchdown-or-bust options at the position. That makes him the type of tight end I stream in a good spot and replace the following week.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 9 Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.
Tyler Conklin’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 9
Conklin is projected to score 6.8 fantasy points in PPR formats. This includes 3.2 receptions for 31.4 yards and 0.1 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
PFN Insight into the Texans’ Defense
The Houston Texans’ defense has had a superb run of games, with three of their last five performances ranking inside the top five in the league. The jewel in the crown was shutting down the Buffalo Bills’ offense, while the performances against New England and Indianapolis were to be expected. The struggles against the Vikings, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Green Bay Packers highlight where they need to focus going forward.
Generally, the Texans’ defense does a good job across the metrics. They are only slightly above average when it comes to pressure without blitzing and forcing turnovers, but neither of those has been too hurtful to this point. Their red-zone defense will be the biggest concern, as they allow touchdowns on 70% of their trips and, accordingly, rank 15th in terms of points per drive.
The issue for the Texans is that, right now, this team is somewhat built on its defense. C.J. Stroud is not showing second-year progression so far, and the offense is merely league-average. If the defense falls back towards league average, then this is a team that will not scare many come the playoffs.
Tyler Conklin’s Week 9 Fantasy Ranking
Our Weekly Consensus PPR Rankings are below — both positional and overall. They were last updated at 11:45 PM ET on Saturday, January 25.
Conference Championship TE PPR Rankings
1) Travis Kelce | KC (vs. BUF)
2) Dallas Goedert | PHI (vs. WAS)
3) Dalton Kincaid | BUF (at KC)
4) Zach Ertz | WAS (at PHI)
5) Noah Gray | KC (vs. BUF)
6) Dawson Knox | BUF (at KC)
7) John Bates | WAS (at PHI)
8) Grant Calcaterra | PHI (vs. WAS)
9) Ben Sinnott | WAS (at PHI)
10) Quintin Morris | BUF (at KC)
11) Peyton Hendershot | KC (vs. BUF)
12) E.J. Jenkins | PHI (vs. WAS)
13) Anthony Firkser | NYJ ()