Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or AJ Barner

Sunday, October 5, 2:08 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver scored a touchdown for the second time in three weeks, finishing with two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 21-17 victory against Cleveland. The blocking-focused tight end was the secret weapon on a trick play, leaking through the Browns' defense with backup running back Cam Akers in a Wildcat look, which led to a 32-yard scoring connection for the Vikings' first touchdown. Oliver nearly had a second score, but was tackled inside the five on his only other catch. He remains an unpredictable, touchdown-dependent play, but deserves some roster consideration in deeper formats.

Friday, November 21, 6:51 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is worth monitoring in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. Barner is coming off a 10-reception, 70-yard game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. He has been inconsistent this season, but he has been a solid fantasy producer more often than not. Seattle projects to have a low passing volume day in Week 12 against a Titans team that has had trouble staying in games this season. However, Barner's target share will be worth monitoring because it could translate to further success later this season. Even so, unless Barner finds the end zone in Week 12 (which he has five times this season) he is unlikely to be particularly useful. If Seattle does indeed lean heavily on the running game this week, most of the passing volume is likely to go to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stash Barner through this week and see how he performs.