Who Should I Start? Josh Whyle or AJ Barner

Thursday, August 7, 9:20 AM

Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm was listed as the team's second tight end on the first unofficial depth chart, behind only Chig Okonkwo and ahead of Josh Whyle, who was the team's second tight end last year. The Titans drafted Helm out of Texas with the No. 120 pick in the fourth round of the NFL Draft after he logged 60 catches for 786 yards and seven touchdowns in Texas's quick passing game. Helm had a bad combine, potentially due to injury, but he has earned playing time with a strong training camp and could become a favorite target for rookie quarterback Cam Ward. Helm and the Titans start preseason on Saturday in Tampa Bay, and it will be important to see exactly how the tight end work is divided going into Week 1 against the Broncos.

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.