Who Should I Start? John Bates or Justin Joly


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
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Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 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

Justin Joly News

Broncos Bolster Tight End Room With Justin Joly

Saturday, April 25, 10:42 AM

The Denver Broncos have selected North Carolina State tight end prospect Justin Joly with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Joly was a four-year contributor in college, splitting his NCAA career at UConn and NC State. Over his last two seasons, he caught 92 passes for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns, mostly against ACC competition. Tight end Evan Engram had an underwhelming 2025 season from a fantasy football perspective, and now that he's headed into a contract year, it's time for the Broncos to begin looking for his replacement. Despite being a Day 3 pick, Joly could be the Broncos' eventual successor to Engram. He'll use 2026 as a developmental campaign before perhaps ascending into a larger role in 2027. He's not on the redraft radar at the moment, but there could be some dynasty appeal in deeper leagues.


John Bates vs. Justin Joly

Still trying to decide between Bates and Joly? 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 0.0 points this week while Justin Joly is projected to score 0.0 points.