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Fantasy football: Start-em, sit-em players for Week 9

By Jay Marsdale

PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after rushing for a 2 yard touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - OCTOBER 08: Leonard Fournette #27 of the Jacksonville Jaguars reacts after rushing for a 2 yard touchdown in the second quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on October 8, 2017 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 30: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball after making a catch as free safety Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MO – OCTOBER 30: Tight end Travis Kelce #87 of the Kansas City Chiefs carries the ball after making a catch as free safety Bradley Roby #29 of the Denver Broncos defends during the game at Arrowhead Stadium on October 30, 2017 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Peter Aiken/Getty Images) /

Start-em: Travis Kelce (KC) @ Dallas

Alex Smith’s favorite weapon, Travis Kelce, is going to get a lot of work again in Week 9 against the Cowboys.

This game was one that had a chance to get out of hand without Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliot. Now that he is back in, this is going to be the best game of Week 9. Both teams are trying to battle for their respective divisions, and that will lead to a ton of targets and touches for Kelce.

Last week Kelce was matched up against the “No Fly Zone” Broncos and went off for over 130 yards. If he can do that against one of the best defenses, what is he going to do as an encore against a mediocre one? His unique mix of wide receiver speed and linebacker size is making him one of the best tight ends in football.

Kelce and Zach Ertz in Philadelphia are pushing Rob Gronkowski with the Patriots for that top fantasy football tight end throne. Out of that group not only is Kelce the best option this week, but for the rest of 2017. Ertz is more of a short pass catcher, but the thing that makes Kelce a fantasy football monster is his home-run play ability.

Just like a top receiver, Kelce is a touchdown waiting to happen the second he steps on the field. That type of explosiveness is hard to find and is going to be on full display in the second half of the season. Dallas’ linebackers and safeties are not ready to cover Kelce.

Other options: Evan Engram (NYG) vs. Los Angeles Rams and Cameron Brate (TB) @ New Orleans