Who Should I Start? Shane Zylstra or Gunnar Helm

Sunday, September 14, 2:26 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Shane Zylstra (ankle) has been downgraded to out for the remainder of his team's Week 2 contest against the Chicago Bears. Zylstra is the Lions' third-string tight end behind Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. His absence may mean a slight uptick in snaps for the remainder of Week 2 for LaPorta.

Friday, February 13, 3:49 PM

Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Tennessee Titans tight end Gunnar Helm recorded 44 receptions for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets. Helm spent the majority of the year splitting playing time with veteran Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo, which limited the production upside for both players. However, Okonkwo is now set to hit unrestricted free agency. If Tennessee chooses to move on from Okonkwo, Helm could be positioned to be the team's clear top tight end option in 2026 and beyond. Additionally, the Titans' overall offensive infrastructure could be on the rise as quarterback Cameron Ward (shoulder) continues to develop. Ward largely struggled as a rookie in 2025, but he threw eight touchdown passes and just one interception over his last four full games of the season. Helm may not carry superstar upside at the tight end position. Still, his rookie year production, combined with the improving situation around him in Tennessee, should be enough to have dynasty-league fantasy managers intrigued heading into 2026.