AJ Barner vs Colby Parkinson
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
AJ Barner- Higher projection: 142 vs 76 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 192 vs 263
- More points per game: 3.3 vs 1.6
AJ Barner and Colby Parkinson are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. AJ Barner holds the edge in expert consensus (TE22 to TE32). AJ Barner typically comes off the board first, around pick 188 (round 16) to Colby Parkinson's pick 251. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: AJ Barner at 142 PPR points (8.4 per game) versus Colby Parkinson at 76.
Last season AJ Barner carried the heavier workload (88% snap share, 2 touches to Colby Parkinson's 2), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. AJ Barner is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, AJ Barner is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Barner | Parkinson |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 142 | 76 |
| Points / game | 3.3 | 1.6 |
| Games played | 1 | 1 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #192 | #263 |
| ADP | 188 | 251 |
| Positional rank | TE38 | TE52 |
| Snap share | 88% | 77% |
| Red-zone touches | 0 | 1 |
| Age | 24 | 27 |
| Bye week | 11 | 11 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: AJ Barner or Colby Parkinson.
Frequently asked
Should I draft AJ Barner or Colby Parkinson in 2026?
AJ Barner is a clear call over Colby Parkinson for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, AJ Barner or Colby Parkinson?
AJ Barner carries the higher 2026 projection at 142 PPR points (8.4 per game), compared with 76 for Colby Parkinson.
Where are AJ Barner and Colby Parkinson being drafted?
AJ Barner has an ADP around pick 188 (round 16), while Colby Parkinson goes closer to pick 251 (round 21).
Who is ranked higher, AJ Barner or Colby Parkinson?
Expert consensus ranks AJ Barner (TE22) ahead of Colby Parkinson (TE32) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.