Who Should I Start? Tyler Higbee or John Bates

Saturday, November 7, 8:57 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has an enticing matchup against the Washington Commanders in Week 9, but his recent track record keeps him off the fantasy football radar in most leagues. Higbee has had several opportunities to produce over the last few weeks, including Week 7 as the Rams' No. 1 tight end against a Raiders defense that struggles to cover the position. Instead, he has contributed just three catches over his last two games. Even with players like Colby Parkinson (rib), Terrance Ferguson (ankle), and Davante Adams (hamstring) missing time, Higbee has not produced like many fantasy managers initially expected. That pattern may continue in Week 9, especially with Parkinson, who is listed as questionable, in the mix to suit up. The matchup is undeniably encouraging, as the Commanders have allowed the second-most fantasy points to tight ends in 2026. However, Higbee's frustrating track record against subpar defenses over the last two weeks makes him avoidable on Sunday, even if Parkinson doesn't end up playing. He ranks as the TE20 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy football rankings for Week 9.