Who Should I Start? Tanner Hudson or AJ Barner

Thursday, October 16, 1:06 AM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Tanner Hudson (concussion) was ruled out for Thursday Night Football against the Steelers, Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic reports. Hudson suffered a concussion in the Week 6 loss to the Packers and wasn't able to clear concussion protocol on a short week. Fellow tight end Mike Gesicki (pectoral) was also injured during the game and will miss time. Noah Fant and Drew Sample will be lined up for more opportunities, with Fant as likely as the top pass-catching option. Fant has been productive in a limited sample so far this season, hauling in 16 of his 18 targets for 107 yards and a touchdown.

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.