Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Juwan Johnson


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.0 0.0 0.0 3.7 42.8 0.3

George Kittle News

George Kittle "Definitely on Track" for Week 1

Tuesday, June 23, 5:05 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) said on Tuesday that he is "definitely on track" to be ready to play in Week 1 of the 2026 regular season in early September, according to David Lombardi of The San Francisco Standard. Kittle said nothing is 100% certain right now, but he said, "I have a chance." The 32-year-old seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro said he hasn't had any setbacks in his recovery from the torn Achilles tendon he suffered in the postseason loss on Jan. 11, and he told NBC Sports' Florito Maniego that he is "running over 16 mph." Kittle did not practice with the rest of the team during organized team activities or mandatory minicamp during the spring, but that could change come training camp this summer. The nine-year veteran has four 1,000-yard receiving seasons in his career and has scored 52 touchdowns in 124 regular-season games, but durability concerns make him a pretty big fantasy risk as he heads into Year 10. Kittle played in just 11 regular-season games in 2025 and caught 57 passes for 628 yards and seven touchdowns on 69 targets. Because we don't know for sure whether he'll be a full-go for Week 1, fantasy managers should consider him as more of a high-end TE2 in upcoming drafts.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.9 0.0 0.0 3.6 40.1 0.2

Juwan Johnson News

Juwan Johnson a High-Volume Sleeper in the Closing Rounds of 2026 Drafts

Wednesday, July 8, 5:51 AM

New Orleans Saints veteran Juwan Johnson was a top-10 fantasy tight end in 2025, and he heads into his seventh season as one of the more undervalued players at the position. He likely faces significantly stiffer target competition with the Saints spending the eighth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on dynamic wide receiver Jordyn Tyson, but in Kellen Moore's up-tempo offense, there should be no shortage of volume to go around. With second-year quarterback Tyler Shough preparing for his first full year as a starter, the Saints could see an increase to their 34.8 pass attempts per game from a season ago. After taking over as starter in Week 9, Shough faced an expected ramp-up period, but following the team's Week 11 bye, the rookie threw the fourth most passes in the league, and only Trey McBride and Kyle Pitts topped Johnson's 34 catches or 398 yards from the tight end spot. The Saints also spent a third-round pick on tight end Oscar Delp, but as more of a traits-based prospect who never reached 25 receptions or 285 yards across his four seasons at Georgia, he could take time to develop at the next level, and Johnson should remain entrenched at the top of the depth chart for 2026. Currently being drafted as the TE17, Johnson should again see enough volume to greatly exceed ADP, and if he can improve upon his three touchdown grabs from a year ago, he could ultimately prove to be one of the best values at the position.


George Kittle vs. Juwan Johnson

Still trying to decide between Kittle and Johnson? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that George Kittle is projected to score 10.0 points this week while Juwan Johnson is projected to score 8.9 points.