Gunnar Helm vs Theo Johnson: Who Should You Start?
Gunnar Helm and Theo Johnson are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Gunnar Helm averaged 4.4 PPG across 16 games with the Tennessee Titans, while Theo Johnson posted 7.0 PPG in 15 appearances for the New York Giants.
A 2.6-PPG gap gives Theo Johnson the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Gunnar Helm had 44 catches for 357 yards; Theo Johnson posted 45 for 528. 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 5 and Theo Johnson 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.
