Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Hayden Hurst vs Ja'Tavion SandersWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Ja'Tavion Sanders is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 4.2 PPG to Hayden Hurst's 3.7 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Ja'Tavion Sanders is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Ja'Tavion Sanders edges Hayden Hurst by 0.5 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, Ja'Tavion Sanders 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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TELos Angeles Chargers#99

Hayden Hurst

PPG

3.7

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

238

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 5

TECarolina Panthers#99PPG LEADER

Ja'Tavion Sanders

PPG

4.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

308

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 11

The Edge Chart

Hayden Hurst

Ja'Tavion Sanders

Head to Head

3.7 PPG4.2 PPG

14 GP14 GP

Bye: Week 5Bye: Week 11

Fantasy Tiers

Hayden Hurst: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Ja'Tavion Sanders: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Hayden Hurst is producing at 17% of elite pace and Ja'Tavion Sanders at 19%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Hayden Hurst vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Hayden Hurst finished the 2025 season at 3.7 PPG over 14 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, while Ja'Tavion Sanders clocked in at 4.2 across 14 appearances for the Carolina Panthers. A 0.5-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. Hayden Hurst had 25 catches for 238 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: Hayden Hurst is off Week 5 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: Hayden Hurst (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Ja'Tavion Sanders (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

•Ja'Tavion Sanders outscored Hayden Hurst by a projected 9 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Hayden Hurst scored 1 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.1 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
•Ja'Tavion Sanders saw 45 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Hayden Hurst vs Ja'Tavion Sanders: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Hayden Hurst	Ja'Tavion Sanders
PPG (Half-PPR)	3.7	4.2
Games Played	14	14
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	52	59
Receptions	25	32
Rec/Game	1.8	2.3
Receiving Yards	238	308
Rec Yds/Game	17.0	22.0
Receiving TDs	1	1
Targets	35	45
Target Share/Game	2.5	3.2
Bye Week	Week 5	Week 11

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Ja'Tavion Sanders holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 4.2 points per game. Hayden Hurst averaged 3.7 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 Hayden Hurst or Ja'Tavion Sanders in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Ja'Tavion Sanders has the edge at 4.2 PPG compared to Hayden Hurst's 3.7 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 Hayden Hurst and Ja'Tavion Sanders average in 2025?▾

Hayden Hurst averaged 3.7 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Ja'Tavion Sanders averaged 4.2 PPG over 14 games. That is a difference of 0.5 points per game.

When are Hayden Hurst and Ja'Tavion Sanders's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Hayden Hurst (LAC) has a bye in Week 5, and Ja'Tavion Sanders (CAR) has a bye in Week 11. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Hayden Hurst or Ja'Tavion Sanders a better fantasy tight end in 2026?▾

Ja'Tavion Sanders outscored Hayden Hurst by 0.5 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.