Who Should I Start? Cole Kmet or AJ Barner

Tuesday, October 14, 9:11 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet had a very quiet game in Week 6 against the Washington Commanders, recording one catch for zero yards on two targets. With fellow Bears tight end Colston Loveland sidelined by a hip injury, Kmet saw a brief target spike (nine) in Week 4. However, with Loveland back in the lineup against Washington after Chicago's Week 5 bye, it appears Kmet will have a hard time earning the target volume needed for consistent fantasy production. Through five games this season, Kmet has eight catches for 116 yards and one touchdown on 18 targets. He should remain off of fantasy radars unless Loveland were to go down with another injury.

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.