Who Should I Start? Colby Parkinson or AJ Barner


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.4 0.0 0.0 2.1 20.6 0.2

Colby Parkinson News

Added Competition Will Make a Top-15 Repeat Difficult for Colby Parkinson

Monday, July 20, 5:49 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson led the position group in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2025, trailing only Puka Nacua and Davante Adams across all receiving categories. While the further development of 2025 second-round pick Terrance Ferguson and the return to health of veteran Tyler Higbee will almost certainly lower his fantasy ceiling, the seventh-year pro will still serve a vital role in an offense that took the league by storm last year with its unprecedented use of 13 personnel. However, the increased competition at the position, including another second-round pick spent on rookie Max Klare, will likely prevent Parkinson from repeating his TE15 finish from a year ago. As RotoBaller's TE31, Parkinson is unlikely to be drafted in most 2026 lineup leagues, but he is at least worthy of a late-round pick in best ball drafts, with the potential to reach the end zone in nearly any game he plays.


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's Scoring Role Gives Him Deep-League Sleeper Appeal

Monday, July 20, 9:39 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner turned a quiet rookie year into 52 catches for 519 yards and six touchdowns in 2025. He also scored on one of nine short-yardage carries, a small wrinkle Seattle could keep using near the goal line. Barner stayed on the field, playing 827 offensive snaps and starting every regular-season game while dealing with several injuries. Two offseason surgeries kept him out of spring practices, though he expects to be ready for training camp. That is the first thing to watch. Elijah Arroyo is the other. Seattle's 2025 second-round pick caught 15 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown in 13 games, and his receiving ability could cut into Barner's routes as he develops. Brian Fleury is now running the offense after previously coaching tight ends, so the position should remain involved. More involvement for Arroyo could be part of that, too. RotoBaller ranks Barner as the redraft TE27 and dynasty TE28. He is not a weekly starter yet, but the playing time and scoring role give him sneaky appeal in deeper redraft leagues.


Colby Parkinson vs. AJ Barner

Still trying to decide between Parkinson and Barner? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Colby Parkinson is projected to score 5.4 points this week while AJ Barner is projected to score 7.1 points.