Smart Start 'Em or Sit 'Em Decisions for Week 9

Two of the top available tight ends are potentially out for this week’s games. 

Both Antonio Gates and Zach Miller are listed as doubtful, but that doesn’t mean fantasy owners should not be willing to roll the dice on them. 

Let’s take a look at both players and their current situations:

Antonio Gates – San Diego Chargers

Gates is listed as doubtful with a toe problem, though he did travel with the team and according Kevin Acee (via Twitter) is expected to take the field.  However, you should be checking the news this morning just to be safe.

Luckily he does have a 1 p.m. game, so if he were to be a late scratch you would be able to scramble onto the waiver wire and find a suitable replacement.  If he’s dressing, however, he’s a must-play option.

His numbers thus far resemble more of a wide receiver's than a tight end's.  Thus far he has 40 receptions for 663 yards and nine touchdowns. 

Last week, when he was also hampered by injury, he managed to post five receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown.

This week he draws a Houston Texans team that has been the worst in the league in defending the pass. 

Given the list of injuries to the Chargers receiving corps, there is little questioning that if Gates is on the field he is going to be a major cog in the passing attack.

If he’s active, there is no debate.  Gates is a must-use option.

Zach Miller – Oakland Raiders

As for Miller, the outlook is not so optimistic.  Like Gates, he is listed as doubtful, but beat writer Jerry McDonald (via Twitter) is reporting that Miller will not be playing on Sunday. 

With a 4 p.m. start time and the recent news, it is just impossible to put much faith into Miller.  It certainly is time to start scouring the waiver wire for potential replacements. 

Some names who may be available, as they are owned in 65 percent of Yahoo leagues or fewer (and the order I’d consider them):

• Jacob Tamme – Indianapolis Colts – at Philadelphia
• Tony Moeaki – Kansas City Chiefs – at Oakland
• Benajmin Watson – Cleveland Browns – vs. New England
• Heath Miller – Pittsburgh Steelers – at Cincinnati

It’s a tough break, but the risk is just too great.  Keep Miller stashed on your bench for now and hope that he can return to the lineup for Week 11 after his bye.

What are your thoughts on these two tight ends?  Would you start either of them?  Would you bench either of them?

Make sure to check out all of our Week 9 Rankings:

• Top 25 Quarterbacks
• Top 40 Running Backs
• Top 60 Wide Receivers
• Top 20 Tight Ends
• Top 15 Kickers
• Top 15 Defenses
• Waiver Worthy
• Start ‘Em or Sit ‘Em
• Sunday Sleepers

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