Who Should I Start? Colby Parkinson or John Bates

Friday, December 13, 12:50 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson caught two of his five targets for 21 yards during their victory over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday night. Parkinson's five targets and 21 yards were the second-most on the team. Over his previous four games leading up to Thursday, Parkinson caught just one pass in each contest and never surpassed 20 receiving yards. With 31-year-old Tyler Higbee (knee) nearing a return to action, fantasy managers should expect Parkinson to soon revert to the No.2 role on the depth chart. Next weekend, Parkinson will face the New York Jets, who have allowed the seventh-fewest PPR points to opposing tight ends. If he is given another start, he should be viewed as a low-end TE2, given his low target share.

Friday, December 20, 7:20 PM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates could be in store for an increased role, with Zach Ertz (concussion) listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered this concussion last weekend and could not practice all week, which suggests he will face an uphill battle to pass the league's protocol. When filling in for Ertz last weekend, Bates brought in his lone target for six yards. Earlier this season, Bates caught six of his nine targets for 64 yards and averaged a solid 10.7 yards per reception. However, given his lack of offensive production, even in a reserve role, makes him a high-risk TE2 facing the Eagles. Fantasy managers should look for an alternative option as Bates will have a tough task ahead of him in his first start as the Eagles have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to the position this season.