Who Should I Start? Adam Trautman or AJ Barner

Monday, September 22, 10:42 AM

Denver Broncos tight end Adam Trautman was not targeted by quarterback Bo Nix during his team's 23-20 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3. Trautman recorded three catches for 10 yards and a touchdown in Week 2 and profiled as a desperation streaming option at tight end heading into Week 3 with top Broncos tight end Evan Engram (back) sidelined for the game. Instead, it was Broncos tight end Lucas Krull who found the end zone on Sunday, finishing with one catch for nine yards and a score. Trautman has four catches for 15 yards and a touchdown through the first three games of the season and should not be trusted by fantasy managers even if Engram remains sidelined for Week 4.

Monday, October 13, 11:29 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner saw his production dip slightly in Sunday's 20-12 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, but was still effective even on minimal work. Barner caught a career-high seven passes in Week 5, but drew only three targets against Jacksonville (3/71). Despite the downtick, the 23-year-old placed second in yards, receptions, and looks to target hog teammate Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and remains an intriguing fantasy play. While the touchdowns can't be counted on every week, Barner is far and away the snap leader at his position, and the clear third target on the team behind Smith-Njigba and veteran Cooper Kupp. Fantasy managers can't expect weekly consistency quite yet with diminished target totals, but the Michigan alum is an excellent streaming option and is slowly rising up the dynasty ranks.