Who Should I Start? Noah Fant or Darnell Washington
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.7 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.6 | 15.3 | 0.1 |
Noah Fant News
Sunday, June 21, 12:02 PM
A first-round pick of the Denver Broncos in 2019, tight end Noah Fant has never quite lived up to the hype with which he entered the league, and the latest chapter in his eight-year career saw him sign a two-year, $8.8 million deal with the New Orleans Saints at the start of 2026 free agency. Playing in 15 games for the Bengals in 2025, Fant caught 34 passes for a career-low 288 yards, and in New Orleans, he's now part of a deep tight end room that could make it difficult for him to see much more than a complementary role. Veteran Juwan Johnson was one of only eight tight ends to see triple-digit targets in 2025, and the Saints spent a third-round pick on Georgia's Oscar Delp in the 2026 NFL Draft. While New Orleans should again have one of the most high-volume passing attacks under head coach Kellen Moore, there are a growing number of mouths to feed, with eighth overall pick Jordyn Tyson joining 2025 second-team All-Pro Chris Olave, and running back Travis Etienne Jr. coming aboard as one of the splashier signings of free agency. Buried on the depth chart and not a strong enough blocker to force his way onto the field, Fant is RotoBaller's dynasty TE51 and not a player to expect much from as he enters his age-29 season.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.1 | 23.5 | 0.1 |
Darnell Washington News
Monday, July 20, 6:59 AM
Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Darnell Washington enjoyed the first top 40 fantasy finish of his young career in 2025, but with changes coming to the Steelers offense ahead of his fourth season, his TE38 result could prove to be a high-water mark. After operating with an extra tight end on the field at one of the league's highest rates in 2025, the Steelers have moved on from offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, with new head coach Mike McCarthy set to call plays and expected to heavily utilize three-receiver sets as he has throughout his career. Pittsburgh traded for two-time 1,000-yard receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and spent a second-round pick on Alabama's Germie Bernard, further suggesting a move away from the 2025 offense that ran primarily through its tight ends and running backs. Veteran Jonnu Smith, who led all Steelers tight ends with 57 targets in 2025, remains unsigned, but with Pittsburgh's offseason moves hinting at a de-emphasis on the position, those vacated looks are more likely to be spread among the new wide receivers. With sixth-year veteran Pat Freiermuth the more likely option to be regularly mixed into the passing offense, Washington is not a player drafters will need to target in 2026.
Noah Fant vs. Darnell Washington
Still trying to decide between Fant and Washington? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Noah Fant is projected to score 3.7 points this week while Darnell Washington is projected to score 5.3 points.
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