Who Should I Start? Cole Kmet or Theo Johnson


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.2 0.0 0.0 1.6 17.9 0.1

Cole Kmet News

Cole Kmet's Role Could Shrink Further in 2026

Tuesday, August 11, 7:12 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet enters the 2026 season with an uncertain workload. Last season, Kmet recorded 30 receptions for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games, marking his worst stat line since his 2020 rookie season. The addition of 2025 first-round pick Colston Loveland significantly reduced Kmet's usual workload, dropping his snap share from 88% to 70% in 2025. Loveland's addition hurts Kmet's fantasy outlook, and the addition of third-round rookie Sam Roush could also take Kmet off the field this season. Roush is a willing blocking tight end who, after being drafted, said he "loves getting in the trenches and getting dirty." While Kmet could be a trade candidate during the season, which could help his fantasy value, he may be stuck outside the Top 50 at the position in 2026 if Roush starts the season strong.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
4.1 0.0 0.0 1.6 17.2 0.1

Theo Johnson News

Theo Johnson Losing Redraft Value as the Season Approaches

Thursday, August 13, 6:33 PM

New York Giants 25-year-old tight end Theo Johnson finished the 2025 season as the TE19, with 528 receiving yards and five touchdowns on 74 targets. He had an impressive 11.73 yards per reception and became one of Jaxson Dart's favorite targets. However, the biggest thorn in Johnson's side is the offseason signing of 26-year-old tight end Isaiah Likely, who has been generating a lot of buzz in camp and has been one of Dart's favorite targets thus far. The wide receiver room for the Giants is extremely cloudy, with Malik Nabers (knee) recovering from injury and guys like Darius Slayton, Calvin Austin, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Odell Beckham Jr., rounding out the receiver room. While Johnson proved to be reliable and explosive in 2025 (10th in explosive rating), the target share will take a significant step backwards and Johnson likely won't remain fantasy relevant unless he has a spike in touchdown production. RotoBaller ranks Johnson as the TE39 entering the season, which makes him a dynasty stash at best.


Cole Kmet vs. Theo Johnson

Still trying to decide between Kmet and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Cole Kmet is projected to score 4.2 points this week while Theo Johnson is projected to score 4.1 points.