Who Should I Start? John Bates or Tucker Kraft

Friday, December 20, 7:20 PM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates could be in store for an increased role, with Zach Ertz (concussion) listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered this concussion last weekend and could not practice all week, which suggests he will face an uphill battle to pass the league's protocol. When filling in for Ertz last weekend, Bates brought in his lone target for six yards. Earlier this season, Bates caught six of his nine targets for 64 yards and averaged a solid 10.7 yards per reception. However, given his lack of offensive production, even in a reserve role, makes him a high-risk TE2 facing the Eagles. Fantasy managers should look for an alternative option as Bates will have a tough task ahead of him in his first start as the Eagles have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to the position this season.

Sunday, January 12, 9:19 PM

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft has a solid outing during the Packers' 22-10 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday afternoon. Kraft caught all five of his targets from quarterback Jordan Love and parlayed them in 26 yards receiving. Also displaying some of the versatility from the end of the regular season, Kraft also took two direct snaps for 10 yards rushing. After a rookie season that saw Kraft get some time on the field later in the season with an injury to Luke Musgrave, an early-season injury to Musgrave before Week 1 this season led to Kraft being a major contributor in the Packers offense in his second campaign. Kraft put up 50 receptions for 707 yards and seven touchdowns to finish as a top-10 fantasy tight end. For 2025 fantasy leagues, Kraft should be a starting tight end option in a majority of fantasy leagues.