Who Should I Start? John Bates or Brayden Willis

Wednesday, December 24, 10:23 AM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates was outsnapped 37 to 27 by second-year tight end Ben Sinnott in last week's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Bates has served as Washington's No. 2 TE for most of the season, primarily as a blocker. He posted his highest route share (50%) of the season in Week 15 with Zach Ertz (knee) out for the season, but that mark cratered in Week 16, falling to just 16%, his lowest since Week 2. Sinnott profiles as the better receiving option and is seeing his role increase in that area. He jumped to a season-high 56% route share last week. Bates seems to be trending back toward his typical role as the top blocking tight end and shouldn't be considered a fantasy option on Christmas Day against the Dallas Cowboys, especially considering Washington's starting QB is likely to be Josh Johnson with Marcus Mariota (hand, quadriceps) injured.

Saturday, December 27, 6:41 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end Brayden Willis has been elevated from the practice squad ahead of the Week 17 matchup against the Chicago Bears. The elevation of Willis is not a good sign for fellow tight end George Kittle (ankle), who is questionable for this contest. The fact that Willis was brought up means Kittle is most likely going to miss this weekend's game. If Kittle sits, Jake Tonges figures to operate as the primary tight end in this offense. Tonges posted some decent performances earlier in the season when Kittle was sidelined. He could offer some streaming appeal to tight-end-needy fantasy managers, assuming Kittle is unable to play.