Who Should I Start? Connor Heyward or AJ Barner

Friday, November 3, 12:12 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Connor Heyward caught two of his three targets for 16 yards in the team's 20-16 win over the visiting Tennessee Titans on Thursday Night Football. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Darnell Washington caught his only target for a seven-yard gain. Heyward caught a season-high five passes (six targets) for 24 yards in last week's loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars with Pat Freiermuth (hamstring) on Injured Reserve, but he couldn't keep up that elevated production in Week 9. Freiermuth will miss at least two more games, but fantasy managers just won't be able to trust Heyward for consistent production in one of the weaker offenses in the league. The 24-year-old has just 14 receptions for 105 yards and no touchdowns in eight games in 2023.

Friday, December 5, 10:59 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (knee/shoulder) has carved out a large role for himself this season. However, the Falcons are No. 2 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. Atlanta has allowed fewer than 100 fantasy points to the position in 12 games this season. Barner's volume has been inconsistent, meaning that he is susceptible to bad matchups. Despite possessing a bit of a knack for finding the end zone, as evidenced by his eight touchdowns in two seasons in the league, it is difficult to trust a player with so little consistent volume. However, given that players such as San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle are on a bye this week, you may be looking for a plug-and-play. Barner possesses a very low floor, but his athleticism and nose for the end zone make him a viable one-week option, albeit a risky one. He is a better option than many of the other tight ends on the waiver wire; just proceed with caution. It is worth noting that Barner has been dealing with a knee/shoulder injury this week, but he is practicing, and it does not seem like an issue that will bother him this weekend.