NFL Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em TEs: Tyler Warren vs. T.J. Hockenson

The TE position can be fickle in fantasy football, but Tyler Warren and T.J. Hockenson are both viewed as solid options in Week 9. Warren and the Indianapolis Colts will host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, while the Minnesota Vikings are set to take on the Buffalo Bills on Monday Night Football.

Warren and Hockenson are compared similarly in most fantasy football rankings entering Week 9, so which TE should you prioritize in lineups?

Below, we’ll break down a Start 'Em, Sit 'Em discussion on whether to start Warren or Hockenson in fantasy football (factoring in PPR scoring settings). We'll also highlight their Week 9 PrizePicks projections.

Make Week 9 NFL predictions for the 2026 season on PrizePicks!

{{nfl_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em TEs, Week 9: Tyler Warren or T.J. Hockenson?

Let’s dive into our Week 9 fantasy football start ‘em, sit ‘em decision between Warren and Hockenson.

All stats used in this article are from PFF or SumerSports unless stated otherwise. Fantasy rankings and fantasy point totals are courtesy of FantasyPros.

Why Start Tyler Warren?

Tyler Warren Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 42.5 Rec Yards, 8 Rec Targets, 11.5 Fantasy Score

• While Warren scored only 5.8 fantasy points in Week 8, he's the TE5 in weekly fantasy points per game (12.6).
• Warren leads the Colts in target share (23.5%) in 2026.
• Volume isn’t an issue for the second-year man, who has 9+ targets in three of his last four outings.
• On an Indy team that is reportedly looking to sell ahead of the deadline, Warren is one of the players who appears to be safe.
• The Cowboys’ defense is 30th in dropback EPA and 29th in dropback success rate allowed (50.6%), per RBSDM.

Pick Tyler Warren and Colts to win for higher payouts on PrizePicks!

Why Start T.J. Hockenson?

T.J. Hockenson Week 9 PrizePicks Projections: 41.5 Rec Yards, 6.5 Rec Targets, 10.5 Fantasy Score

• Hockenson is currently the TE10 in fantasy PPG (11.2).
• Additionally, he's has posted 13+ fantasy points in each of his last three games he’s started and finished.
• Of the 28 TEs with 25 or more targets in 2026, Hockenson has the second-highest catch rate (86.1%) and the fourth-most yards per route run (2.03).
• Hockenson owns the seventh-highest target share (20.4%) at the TE position.
• The Bills’ defense is 26th in dropback EPA (0.17) and 26th in dropback success rate allowed (49.7%).

Pick T.J. Hockenson and Vikings to win for higher payouts on PrizePicks!

{{nfl_offer_banner="/style-system/ui-components-playbook"}}

Week 9 Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Verdict: Start Tyler Warren

The Cowboys have been a fantasy-friendly defense all season, potentially giving Warren a boost despite the Colts’ offensive struggles. With Indy looking to get QB Daniel Jones back in a rhythm, quick passes to Warren might just be on the menu.

On the flip side, Hockenson will be catching passes from QB Carson Wentz in Week 9 with QB Kyler Murray sidelined with an injury. Hockenson averaged only 8 fantasy PPG in his two games with Wentz to begin the 2026 campaign.

To compare the matchups, the Cowboys are giving up the 15th-most schedule-adjusted fantasy PPG to TEs (+0.1). Meanwhile, the Bills are permitting the 10th-fewest (-2.4).

Make 2026 NFL Predictions on PrizePicks

Unless fantasy football managers have one of the premier TEs or play in a shallow league, Warren and Hockenson seem very much in play as starters. That being said, Warren draws a better matchup in Week 9 against the reeling Dallas defense.

Don’t wait until Week 9 kicks off — make your 2026 NFL Week 9 picks on PrizePicks now.

Just pick NFL players, predict More or Less on their stats, and cash in if you’re right. With Team Picks, you can make predictions on NFL game winners, spreads, over/unders, and award futures, now available in 36 states.

Stay locked in on Playbook for NFL predictions, picks, and news all the way through Super Bowl LXI.