Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Gunnar Helm vs Ja'Tavion SandersWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Gunnar Helm is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 4.4 PPG to Ja'Tavion Sanders's 4.2 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Gunnar Helm is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Gunnar Helm edges Ja'Tavion Sanders by 0.2 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Gunnar Helm goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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TETennessee Titans#40PPG LEADER

Gunnar Helm

PPG

4.4

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

357

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 9

TECarolina Panthers#99

Ja'Tavion Sanders

PPG

4.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

308

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 11

The Edge Chart

Gunnar Helm

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Head to Head

4.4 PPG4.2 PPG

16 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 9Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

Gunnar Helm: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #40 at the position). Ja'Tavion Sanders: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Gunnar Helm is producing at 20% of elite pace and Ja'Tavion Sanders at 19%. That ranking gap means Gunnar Helm carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Gunnar Helm vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Gunnar Helm finished the 2025 season at 4.4 PPG over 16 games with the Tennessee Titans, while Ja'Tavion Sanders clocked in at 4.2 across 14 appearances for the Carolina Panthers. A 0.2-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. Gunnar Helm had 44 catches for 357 yards; Ja'Tavion Sanders posted 32 for 308. 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: Gunnar Helm is off Week 9 and Ja'Tavion Sanders 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.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Gunnar Helm (age 23) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset. Ja'Tavion Sanders (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Gunnar Helm outscored Ja'Tavion Sanders by a projected 3 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Gunnar Helm played 16 games in 2025 compared to Ja'Tavion Sanders's 14. That durability gap means Gunnar Helm contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Gunnar Helm scored 2 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
•Gunnar Helm saw 55 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Gunnar Helm vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Gunnar Helm	Ja'Tavion Sanders
PPG (Half-PPR)	4.4	4.2
Games Played	16	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	70	59
Receptions	44	32
Rec/Game	2.8	2.3
Receiving Yards	357	308
Rec Yds/Game	22.3	22.0
Receiving TDs	2	1
Targets	55	45
Target Share/Game	3.4	3.2
Age	23	-
Bye Week	Week 9	Week 11

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Gunnar Helm holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 4.4 points per game. Ja'Tavion Sanders averaged 4.2 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Gunnar Helm or Ja'Tavion Sanders in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Gunnar Helm has the edge at 4.4 PPG compared to Ja'Tavion Sanders's 4.2 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Gunnar Helm and Ja'Tavion Sanders average in 2025?▾

Gunnar Helm averaged 4.4 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 16 games in 2025. Ja'Tavion Sanders averaged 4.2 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.2 points per game.

When are Gunnar Helm and Ja'Tavion Sanders's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Gunnar Helm (TEN) has a bye in Week 9, and Ja'Tavion Sanders (CAR) has a bye in Week 11. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Gunnar Helm or Ja'Tavion Sanders a better fantasy tight end in 2026?▾

Gunnar Helm outscored Ja'Tavion Sanders by 0.2 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.