Who Should I Start? John Bates or Drew Ogletree

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.

Monday, September 30, 1:29 AM

Indianapolis Colts tight end Drew Ogletree caught his only target of the day for a 15-yard touchdown in the team's 27-24 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Ogletree caught the pass from QB Joe Flacco in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for Indianapolis. The touchdown grab made for Ogletree's second catch of the season over the span of four games. The Colts offense has not featured a tight end this season, and Ogletree ran fewer routes than tight ends Mo Alie-Cox, Kylen Granson, and Will Mallory in the matchup. Given the incredibly low usage, Ogletree is off the fantasy radar in Week 5 when the Colts face the Jacksonville Jaguars.