The NFL regular season is now halfway finished with Week 8 coming to a close on Monday night. In Week 8, there were a few tight ends who stood out among the rest in fantasy football, and that makes for interesting start 'em sit 'em options.

The top three tight-end scorers in Week 8 were all unknown names at the beginning of the season. At the top, Ryan Griffin produced 24.6 fantasy points as he caught two touchdowns on Sunday.

The other two tight ends were Darren Fells, who had six receptions for 58 yards and two scores. On the other hand, Jonnu Smith finished with six catches for 78 yards and a touchdown this past Sunday.

Who could be the surprising tight end to appear out of nowhere in the upcoming slate of games? All of the picks in this article are made based on PPR (points per reception) scoring and can be used in season-long or DFS (daily fantasy sports) leagues.

Without wasting any more time, here are the tight ends to start and sit in fantasy football in Week 9.

TEs to Start in Week 9

Lions' T.J. Hockenson (vs. Raiders): With Kerryon Johnson on injured reserve, the Detroit Lions are more inclined to put the ball in Matthew Stafford's hands. T.J. Hockenson's role has been far from consistent but he should get a chance to perform well this week.

The rookie tight end will look to build chemistry with Stafford as the Lions face the Oakland Raiders. The Raiders defense has given up six receiving touchdowns to TEs (second-most in the NFL).

Texans' Darren Fells (vs. Jaguars): Many expected Kenny Stills or Keke Coutee to replace Will Fuller's production amid his injury. Instead, it was Darren Fells who became a reliable target for Deshaun Watson in Week 8.

Fells had six receptions for 58 yards and two touchdowns on Sunday against the Raiders. This week, he will face a Jacksonville Jaguars team who is solid against TEs, but the volume that Fells is getting is undeniable.

Titans' Jonnu Smith (vs. Panthers): When deciding on a tight end in fantasy, volume is the most important factor to take into account. Similarly to Fells, Jonnu Smith has quickly become a reliable option for the Tennessee Titans.

With Delanie Walker injured in the past two weeks, Smith has combined for nine receptions, 142 yards, and a touchdown on 10 targets. The young tight end will face a talented defense of the Carolina Panthers in Week 9, but again; sometimes you have to choose someone because of the usage they are getting.

Other TEs to Start: Vikings' Kyle Rudolph (vs. Chiefs), Eagles' Dallas Goedert (vs. Bears), Colts' Eric Ebron (vs. Steelers)

TEs to Sit in Week 9

Cowboys' Jason Witten (vs. Giants): Jason Witten has come out retirement for the Dallas Cowboys and he has provided Dak Prescott with a security blanket in the passing attack. At the same time, he doesn't provide much of a ceiling in fantasy.

The veteran pass-catcher will go up against a New York Giants defense that is actually strong against tight ends. The Giants have surrendered just 22 receptions to TEs in 2019 (tied for second-fewest in the NFL).

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)

Ravens' Mark Andrews (vs. Patriots): One of the toughest decisions to make this week is whether or not to start Mark Andrews. The second-year tight end has been the most viable option in the Baltimore Ravens' passing game.

But at the same time, Andrews will be the next unlucky contestant to face the New England Patriots in Week 9. The Patriots have surrendered just 17 receptions and 5.7 fantasy points per game to TEs (both the best in the NFL).

Broncos' Noah Fant (vs. Browns): Noah Fant hasn't gotten off to the start that he would have liked to have had. The rookie tight end out of Iowa had his career-high in targets in Week 8, but he still finished with just five receptions for 26 yards.

Aside from Courtland Sutton, Fant may be the second-best option in Denver's passing attack. However, Joe Flacco is no longer the starter due to injury and Fant will face the Cleveland Browns in Week 9. The Browns defense has given up only 265 yards to TEs (fifth-fewest in the NFL).

More Week 9 Fantasy Advice