Who Should I Start? Tanner Conner or AJ Barner

Thursday, October 30, 10:23 AM

In the TE3 range for Week 9, Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner should not be considered a starting option when Miami takes on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The fourth-year tight end is playing more with Darren Waller (pectoral) on injured reserve, but isn't earning nearly enough work in the passing game to be relied upon in a fantasy lineup. Despite Waller missing significant chunks of the season, Conner has played more than half of Miami's snaps only once in eight weeks and has yet to catch more than two passes in a game this season. As Miami leans on receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back De'Von Achane, and receiver Malik Washington for the majority of its targets, there isn't enough receiving opportunity for Conner to be a fantasy option.

Friday, December 26, 7:37 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is a starting option in Week 17 against a middle-of-the-pack Carolina Panthers defense. The Panthers are No. 17 against opposing tight ends in fantasy. The defense is much improved from last season and is not being gouged at every level of the field as they have in years past. Barner has been relatively fantasy-relevant this season with a nose for the end zone and a proven after-catch ability. In Week 16, Barner caught four of six targets for 49 yards and a touchdown. He has also recorded at least six targets in two straight games. The recent volume supplies Barner with a solid fantasy floor. The Seahawks should be able to move the ball against the Panthers, which will provide Barner with red zone opportunities. If you need a potential replacement for an injured San Francisco 49ers tight end, George Kittle (ankle), or underperformers such as Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren, Barner is a solid option for championship week.