Who Should I Start? AJ Barner or Mason Taylor


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
5.7 0.0 0.0 2.7 23.4 0.1

Mason Taylor News

Mason Taylor Facing Competition in Jets' Tight End Room

Saturday, September 5, 1:07 PM

New York Jets tight end Mason Taylor enters a Week 1 matchup against the Tennessee Titans as the team's designated starter at TE. However, rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq, whom the Jets selected out of Oregon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft at No. 16 overall, is also competing for reps and targets. Tight end Jeremy Ruckert also remains on the roster for the Jets and will look for a role. Taylor, who was a second-round selection by the Jets in 2025 (No. 42 overall), recorded 44 receptions for 369 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last season. Taylor certainly has the opportunity for an expanded role in 2026, but it could just be a matter of time before Sadiq surpasses him on the depth chart. As for now, Taylor has a chance to show what he can do. It is also possible the two play in 12-personnel formations together. Taylor is rostered in just 1% of Yahoo fantasy leagues at the moment and ranks as the No. 42 tight end, according to RotoBaller. Outside of deep tight end premium dynasty leagues, Taylor is off the fantasy radar in most formats.


AJ Barner vs. Mason Taylor

Still trying to decide between Barner and Taylor? 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 Mason Taylor is projected to score 5.7 points.