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.

Friday, January 2, 3:02 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie tight end Gunnar Helm (toe) has been ruled out of Sunday's Week 18 divisional matchup with the Jaguars. Helm was unable to practice this week with the toe injury that he ultimately played through following a week of limited practice participation in Week 17. The fourth-round pick out of Texas finishes his rookie year with 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns, and is a potential dynasty target this offseason. With Helm sidelined, fourth-year tight end Chig Okonkwo, fresh off back-to-back top-five finishes, becomes a must-start for fantasy managers still competing for a Week 18 championship.