Who Should I Start? John Bates or Greg Dulcich

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, December 29, 9:54 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Greg Dulcich had his best performance of the season during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Dulcich hauled in five of his six targets for 58 yards and a touchdown in the win. The 25-year-old has now finished with 40 receiving yards or more in four straight games, even though fellow TE Darren Waller remains healthy. Rookie quarterback Quinn Ewers is set to make his third straight start in the Week 18 regular-season finale. The rookie signal-caller has connected with Dulcich eight times in two games. The expectation is that this trend will continue against the division-rival New England Patriots this Sunday. Dulcich isn't a great streaming option, but he is worthy of a look in deeper leagues this weekend.