Who Should I Start? James Mitchell or Gunnar Helm

Wednesday, September 24, 6:20 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end James Mitchell has an opportunity to make some noise with Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) expected to miss multiple weeks with a high-ankle sprain, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Tommy Tremble will move to the top of the Panthers' TE depth chart with Sanders injured, but he's more of a blocker than a pass-catcher, so Mitchell might have a chance to make some noise going forward in his first year in Carolina. The 26-year-old former fifth-round selection (177th overall) by the Detroit Lions in 2022 out of Virginia Tech has caught all 13 of his targets for 141 yards and one touchdown in 30 games played (one start) in his three NFL seasons with the Lions before joining the Panthers on a reserve/futures contract back in January. Mitchell is only worth a look on the waiver wire in the deepest of fantasy leagues at the moment.

Saturday, December 13, 12:13 PM

After earning at least five targets across three straight games from Week 11 through Week 13, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm hauled in just one catch for eight yards on two targets in Week 14 against the Cleveland Browns. Across 13 games overall this season, the 23-year-old rookie has recorded 37 catches for 298 yards and a touchdown on 46 targets. On the bright side, Helm played a season-high 67% of Tennessee's offensive snaps against Cleveland. However, the Titans continue to split tight end snaps between Helm and veteran Chig Okonkwo, limiting the ceiling for both players. In Week 15, the Titans will take on a San Francisco 49ers defense that ranks as a mid-pack unit against the pass. Still, Helm is difficult for fantasy managers to trust and should likely be avoided as a starter in Week 15.