Who Should I Start? Daniel Bellinger or AJ Barner

Tuesday, October 7, 10:41 PM

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger is a desperation-level fantasy option for the Week 6 Thursday night tilt against the Philadelphia Eagles, despite seeing increased usage last week. Bellinger led the team in receiving yards in Week 5 with four receptions on four targets for 52 yards, earning 7.2 fantasy points while playing a 52% snap share, an elevated role due to the offense utilizing more two-tight end sets following the Malik Nabers injury. This short-term value is severely limited by a brutal matchup against the Eagles, who rank as the 4th toughest defense against tight ends, allowing an average of only 7.82 fantasy points against the position. Given the Eagles' 3rd-best red zone defense (42.9% Defense Red Zone TD Rate) and Bellinger's low ceiling (zero touchdowns in 2025), he remains off the fantasy radar for all but the deepest leagues.

Tuesday, October 7, 10:29 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner had a career day on Sunday, and he continues to step up as a meaningful part of Sam Darnold's offense. The second-year tight end from Michigan hauled in a career-high seven catches for 53 yards and found the end zone twice in his team's narrow loss to the Bucs. Barner has caught 14 of the 16 targets sent his way this season and scored four touchdowns in the last four weeks. Darnold has made tight ends fantasy-relevant in his previous NFL stops, and Barner looks to be the latest beneficiary of his attention. The Seahawks are headed to Jacksonville to face the Jags on Sunday, after Jacksonville got a big win on Monday. Barner could be an emergency TE1 option if bye weeks have you in trouble this week, or he could be a solid depth add for later in the season.