Who Should I Start? John Bates or Jackson Hawes

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, October 11, 2:49 PM

Buffalo Bills rookie tight end Jackson Hawes could see a small uptick in opportunities if Dalton Kincaid (oblique) is ruled out ahead of Monday night's matchup against Atlanta. The fifth-round pick has appeared in every game this season but has been used sparingly in the passing game, seeing just four targets through five weeks--hauling in all of them. While Hawes' strong blocking skills have earned him steady snaps, he remains a distant option in Buffalo's offensive pecking order. Even with a potential increase in playing time, his fantasy value is negligible, and he should be avoided in all formats unless his role expands dramatically in the coming weeks.