NFL Three Stars For Week 9: Tight End

At most positions in the NFL, the player rankings are certainly interchangeable and not set in stone, but at the tight end position, that's not the case, as Travis Kelce, Mark Andrews and George Kittle are undoubtedly the three best in the NFL. None of those names turn up this week, as the best of the rest took this week to stand up and show why the position needs more love around the league, and why tight end can be one of the most effective positions in the league. 

3. T.J. Hockenson

Stat line: 9 catches, 70 yards. 

T.J. Hockenson was traded by the Detroit Lions to the division rival Minnesota Vikings this past week, and quickly wasted no time in making an impact on debut, hauling in 9 catches for 70 yards and playing a big part in getting Minnesota's record to 7-1. As time rolls on, with Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson on the outside, this could be one of the most dangerous offensive units in the entire NFL, and Hockenson should see a major individual breakout. 

2. Noah Fant

Stat line: 5 catches, 96 yards.

Noah Fant is one of the most underrated players in the NFL, as he's been a rock solid target for the coming out party of veteran Geno Smith in 2022, and this week, he showed that he can not only be solid as a blocker along the offensive line, but that he can also be a weapon in the passing game. Fant averaged almost 20 yards per catch in this one, and if he can be this effective in the passing game all year long, the Seahawks may be a genuine threat in the NFC come playoff time.

1. Dallas Goedert

Stat line: 8 catches, 100 yards, 1 Touchdown.

The Philadelphia Eagles are the NFL's most complete team, with an 8-0 record through 9 weeks, and one of the biggest reasons is their offence, which has flourished with the acquisition of A.J. Brown and the development of Jalen Hurts, so much so that Goedert often goes overlooked. Not this week, as he was the catalyst for Hurts' success in Week 9, hauling in 8 catches and a crucial Touchdown grab to put himself up there for performance of the week. 

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports