Who Should I Start? John Bates or Zach Davidson

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.

Wednesday, January 29, 10:24 PM

The Buffalo Bills announced on Wednesday that they re-signed tight end Zach Davidson to a Reserve/Futures deal. Davidson spent most of the 2024 season on the team's practice squad but was elevated to the active 53-man roster for three games. The 26-year-old only caught one of two targets for five yards on offense, though, while also seeing work on special teams. That is the only action he's seen in the NFL since the Minnesota Vikings made him a fifth-round selection in 2021 out of Central Missouri State. Davidson will continue his development with the Bills this offseason through organized team activities and training camp as he looks to win a spot on the 53-man active roster for Week 1 of the 2025 regular season.