NFL Week 9 Predictions: Projecting the Week's Top TEs

Having a consistent TE is about as great an asset to any fantasy football team you can have. And with the NFL ever emerging into a passing league, it's pretty much like having another WR out there.

So, with that said, here are Week 9's top four TEs.

4. Jason Witten, Cowboys (vs. Seahawks)

Despite a dismal team performance against Philly on Sunday, Jason Witten still had a respectable four catches for 28 yards, even if that was his worst performance this season.

Nonetheless, he's still Tony Romo's favorite target and leads the team with 477 yards on 40 receptions. This week Seattle and their No. 18 pass defense invade Big D, and although the Seahawks do have a respectable defense, Witten will be one of the best TEs they've face all year.

The other being Tony Gonzalez who got 56 yards on seven catches and a TD against them on the road, so Witten will definitely get his as well.

3. Dustin Keller, Jets (at Bills)

The New York Jets may have the No. 22 passing attack, but the Bills' have had more than enough trouble trying to stop opposing offenses without forcing turnovers.

And New York TE Dustin Keller will have a solid game. Dubbed him the nickname "Donkey Kong" because of his size and stature (as well as because those are his initials), Keller is arguably better than almost any other TE Buffalo's D has seen all year.

He leads the Jets with 372 receiving yards and 25 receptions, as well as getting 17 first downs. Keller is the key to this game because Mark Sanchez needs a reliable outlet.

2. Jimmy Graham, Saints (vs. Buccaneers)

When the Saints played the Bucs' in Tampa a few weeks ago, TE Jimmy Graham caught seven passes for 124 yards. That said, you could expect a similar performance this week as New Orleans plays much better at home than on the road.

Graham is Drew Brees's favorite target (leads team with 713 yards, 74 targets, five TDs and 40 first downs). So, not only is he Brees' favorite, but obviously his more reliable when it comes to clutch situations and needing to move the chains.

Tampa Bay may be better prepared this time around, but it won't make much of a difference as they still rank No. 26 in pass defense.

1. Tony Gonzalez, Falcons (at Colts)

Last week the Colts defense caught a small break in having to play the disappointing Tennessee Titans, however, Week 9 pits them at home against Tony Gonzalez and the Atlanta Falcons.

Gonzalez is second on the Falcons with 39 receptions for 338 yards and leads with four TDs. He's Matt Ryan's favorite target inside the red-zone and still has the ability to dominate over any linebacking core trying to cover him.

Atlanta desperately needs this game and after winning on the road in Detroit, Gonzalez and the Falcons will do work once again in Circle City.

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