Who Should I Start? John Bates or Jelani Woods


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
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Jelani Woods News

Jets Re-Sign Jelani Woods

Thursday, March 5, 3:45 PM

The New York Jets re-signed tight end Jelani Woods to an undisclosed deal on Thursday, according to Eric Allen of NewYorkJets.com. Woods was initially claimed off waivers from the Indianapolis Colts last August. The 27-year-old played 60 offensive snaps and 12 special teams snaps over four games with the Jets in 2025, catching just one of three targets for four yards. He missed the 2023 and 2024 seasons with Indy due to hamstring and turf-toe injuries. Woods was the 73rd overall pick in the third round by the Colts in 2022 out of the University of Virginia. He caught 25 of his 40 targets for 312 yards and three touchdowns in 15 games (two starts) in his rookie year before the injuries hit. At best, Woods will enter the 2026 campaign in New York as the TE3 behind Mason Taylor and Jeremy Ruckert. He's off the fantasy radar in all formats.


John Bates vs. Jelani Woods

Still trying to decide between Bates and Woods? 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 Jelani Woods is projected to score 0.0 points.