Who Should I Start? Jelani Woods or AJ Barner

Wednesday, August 27, 1:31 PM

The New York Jets claimed tight end Jelani Woods off waivers on Wednesday from the Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Woods did not make the Colts' final 53-man roster heading into the 2025 season, and now he'll look to make his return to NFL action with the Jets for the first time since 2022. The 26-year-old will be competing for TE2 duties with Jeremy Ruckert in New York behind rookie first-rounder Mason Taylor. Woods, a former third-round pick (73rd overall) in 2022, caught 25 of 40 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games (two starts) in his rookie season with Indy. However, a serious hamstring injury caused him to miss each of the last two years, causing the Colts to move on. Woods would only be worth a look on the waiver wire in fantasy this year if Taylor misses time with an injury.

Friday, December 26, 7:37 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week.