Who Should I Start? Darnell Washington or Gunnar Helm


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Darnell Washington News

Darnell Washington Off Many Fantasy Radars for 2026

Wednesday, February 25, 10:56 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington (forearm) ended the 2025 season with surgery on his broken forearm, but he is looking to bounce back in the final year of his contract in 2026. Despite some highlight reel stiff arms and one TE8 finish in Week 11, Washington mainly played behind fellow tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith. The Steelers are expected to move on from Smith during free agency, which is likely to benefit Washington. Despite Washington's size, he was on the field for more than just run blocking, boasting a 40% route run participation rate and hauled in 31 of his 43 targets for 364 yards and a touchdown in 2025. However, the 24-year-old out of Georgia primarily holds value only in deep dynasty leagues with tight end premium scoring due to his position behind Freiermuth on the depth chart.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.1 0.0 0.0 1.5 11.9 0.1

Gunnar Helm News

Gunnar Helm Headed for Full-Time Role in 2026

Thursday, March 5, 7:29 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm is on track to emerge atop the team's depth chart in 2026. Chig Okonkwo is expected to depart in free agency this offseason, which means that Helm will step up as the No. 1 tight end in Tennessee, barring a different signing or draft selection. It's a much-deserved promotion for Helm, who had 44 catches, 357 yards, and two touchdowns as a rookie in 2025. His strong year is likely playing a large role in the Titans' anticipated decision to move on from Okonkwo. Dynasty managers have a terrific opportunity to buy low on Helm before his price soars. His price has settled down a little from his late-season emergence, creating a favorable buy-low opportunity. However, we expect his price to increase significantly if and when Okonkwo signs elsewhere in free agency, as managers will be reminded that this tight end room belongs to Helm. Before that happens, dynasty managers should send out trade offers for the 23-year-old tight end, because he's a projected top-24 option at his position with top-15 upside.


Darnell Washington vs. Gunnar Helm

Still trying to decide between Washington and Helm? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Darnell Washington is projected to score 0.0 points this week while Gunnar Helm is projected to score 3.1 points.