Who Should I Start? John Bates or Daniel Bellinger


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.9 0.0 0.0 0.9 7.4 0.0

John Bates News

John Bates Not a Fantasy Option in Week 17

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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.4 0.0 0.0 2.8 20.8 0.1

Daniel Bellinger News

Titans Sign Tight End Daniel Bellinger

Monday, March 9, 4:53 PM

The Tennessee Titans signed former New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger to an undisclosed deal on Monday, sources told Dianna Russini of The Athletic. The move reunites him with former head coach Brian Daboll, who is now the offensive coordinator in Tennessee. The 25-year-old is expected to help replace Chig Okonkwo, who is most likely departing in free agency. Second-year tight end Gunnar Helm is expected to move into the top pass-catching tight end role in Tennessee, with Bellinger likely being the No. 2. In his four years with the Giants and Daboll, Bellinger had 88 catches for 934 yards and four touchdowns in 62 regular-season games. The former fourth-rounder in 2022 out of San Diego State had a career-best 286 receiving yards on 19 catches last year, scoring only twice in 16 games. Unless Helm misses time due to injury in 2026, Bellinger should be on the waiver wire in standard 12-team leagues.


John Bates vs. Daniel Bellinger

Still trying to decide between Bates and Bellinger? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that John Bates is projected to score 1.9 points this week while Daniel Bellinger is projected to score 5.4 points.