Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Gunnar Helm


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
7.1 0.8 0.0 2.8 27.8 0.2

AJ Barner News

AJ Barner May Be Undervalued in Drafts Entering 2026

Wednesday, September 2, 12:51 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner emerged as his team's top tight end in 2025, recording 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns on 68 targets across 17 games. Despite his solid production, the presence of 2025 second-round tight end Elijah Arroyo in Seattle has led to speculation that Barner's role in the Seahawks' offense could fade in 2026. However, Barner has reportedly been one of the team's standout performers this summer, and he's already proven that he has established red-zone chemistry with Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. If he can earn slightly more overall target volume in 2026, Barner could establish himself as a lower-end TE1 option for fantasy managers.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
7.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 27.8 0.2

Gunnar Helm News

Gunnar Helm Emerging as a Deep League Sleeper

Saturday, September 5, 12:02 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm is a name to watch on Draft Day. He is listed as the starting tight end on the Titans' depth chart and is in line for plenty of targets from quarterback Cam Ward in 2026. Helm is currently rostered in just 3% of Yahoo leagues. Based on roster percentages, he is most likely going to be available on your waiver wire, and he is an intriguing stash option in deeper leagues with 14 to 16 teams. Helm, whom the Titans drafted in the fourth round (120th overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie last season. He currently ranks as RotoBaller's No. 32 tight end. Helm is worth monitoring as the 2026 campaign gets underway.


AJ Barner vs. Gunnar Helm

Still trying to decide between Barner and Helm? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that AJ Barner is projected to score 7.1 points this week while Gunnar Helm is projected to score 7.1 points.