Who Should I Start? Josh Oliver or AJ Barner


Week 9 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Josh Oliver News

Josh Oliver to Miss the Rest of the Season With Torn Biceps

Monday, September 28, 10:48 AM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver (biceps) suffered a torn biceps muscle in the Week 3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday and needs season-ending surgery, a source told Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Oliver will miss the rest of the 2026 regular season, and he will be a long shot to return if the Vikings have a deep playoff run. The 29-year-old former third-round selection of the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019 from San Jose State was not on the fantasy football radar as a pass-catching TE, but he was extremely valuable to the Vikings' offense as a blocker. His 2026 season will end after just three games and three catches (five targets) for 46 yards. Oliver did have seven combined touchdowns for the Vikings in 2024 and 2025, but he has never surpassed 28 receptions or 258 receiving yards in a single season since making his NFL debut with the Jaguars in 2019.


Week 9 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
7.9 1.8 0.1 2.9 31.0 0.2

AJ Barner News

AJ Barner Barely a TE2 in Week 8

Saturday, October 31, 2:18 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is not on the fantasy radar in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. The Bears are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy, but Barner does not receive enough consistent volume to be a predictable fantasy asset. However, if you are in absolutely dire straits at tight end in a deep league, there is a chance Barner receives an extra look or two due to the absence of wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (knee) this week. Quarterback Sam Darnold could look his way in more third-down situations and short-yardage, but he would be a risky play. With wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba receiving the bulk of targets in the offense, there is little room for anyone else in fantasy. Barner plays his role within the offense very well, but that role is difficult to trust in fantasy. He should be left on waivers unless you have no other options and are counting on a potential touchdown.


Josh Oliver vs. AJ Barner

Still trying to decide between Oliver and Barner? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Josh Oliver is projected to score 0.0 points this week while AJ Barner is projected to score 7.9 points.