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.

Saturday, December 21, 4:49 PM

Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft had his worst fantasy performance in the past four games and looks to right the ship against the New Orleans Saints in Week 16. Kraft has been a solid tight end option for fantasy managers this season but laid an egg last week as he caught both targets for just 34 yards against the Seattle Seahawks. With Romeo Doubs making his return from concussion protocol, the pass-catching group got a bit more crowded with Doubs adding back into a group that features Kraft, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks. Not only that, but Jordan Love and the Packers have featured the run game more prominently. Kraft is going to have to make his opportunities count when he gets them, but he has an excellent matchup with the Saints on tap as the Saints are a middle-of-the-pack defense against fantasy tight ends on the season. Consider Kraft a low-end fantasy TE1 for Week 16.