Who Should I Start? Johnny Mundt or John Bates

Monday, September 16, 12:20 AM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Johnny Mundt caught two of three targets for just 12 yards during Sunday's win over the San Francisco 49ers. Mundt has been operating as the Vikings' top tight end with T.J. Hockenson (knee) sidelined, but he has left a lot to be desired from a fantasy football perspective. With just four catches and 27 yards through two games, Mundt has lost most of his fantasy relevance and can be left on waivers heading into Week 3 against the Houston Texans.

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.