AJ Barner vs Cade Otton: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. AJ Barner finished the 2025 season at 7.1 PPG over 17 games with the Seattle Seahawks, while Cade Otton clocked in at 5.8 across 16 appearances for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. A 1.3-point gap means any given week could go either way.
With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. AJ Barner had 52 catches for 519 yards; Cade Otton posted 59 for 572. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
One scheduling note: AJ Barner is off Week 10 and Cade Otton Week 11. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
