Who Should I Start? John Bates or Matt Hibner


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.9 0.0 0.0 0.8 7.4 0.1

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
1.2 0.0 0.0 0.5 4.9 0.0

Matt Hibner News

Is Matthew Hibner the Tight End of the Future in Baltimore?

Saturday, May 2, 11:08 AM

The Baltimore Ravens made an aggressive move in the fourth round of the 2026 Draft, trading up to acquire SMU tight end Matthew Hibner. Across 13 games as a fifth-year senior in 2025, Hibner hauled in 31 receptions for 436 yards and four touchdowns. The Ravens have veteran tight end Mark Andrews firmly atop their depth chart, and they also signed tight end Durham Smythe in free agency. However, Baltimore lost key depth at the position over the offseason, with Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar both departing the team in free agency. Along with Ravens' fifth-round selection Josh Cuevas, Hibner should have a chance to play a prominent role alongside Andrews as a rookie. Andrews is also entering his age-31 season in 2026, so Hibner could emerge as Baltimore's tight end of the future with a solid rookie campaign. In dynasty leagues, Hibner is a name for managers to monitor.


John Bates vs. Matt Hibner

Still trying to decide between Bates and Hibner? 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 Matt Hibner is projected to score 1.2 points.