AJ Barner vs Gunnar Helm
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 130 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 192 vs 216
- More points per game: 8.7 vs 5.7
AJ Barner and Gunnar Helm are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. AJ Barner holds the edge in expert consensus (TE22 to TE25). AJ Barner typically comes off the board first, around pick 189 (round 16) to Gunnar Helm's pick 233. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: AJ Barner at 142 PPR points (8.4 per game) versus Gunnar Helm at 130.
Last season AJ Barner carried the heavier workload (78% snap share, 78 touches to Gunnar Helm's 55), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. 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 | Helm |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 142 | 130 |
| Points / game | 8.7 | 5.7 |
| Games played | 17 | 16 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #192 | #216 |
| ADP | 189 | 233 |
| Positional rank | TE14 | TE30 |
| Snap share | 78% | 53% |
| Red-zone touches | 15 | 7 |
| Age | 24 | 24 |
| Bye week | 11 | 9 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: AJ Barner or Gunnar Helm.
Frequently asked
Should I draft AJ Barner or Gunnar Helm in 2026?
AJ Barner is a clear call over Gunnar Helm for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, AJ Barner or Gunnar Helm?
AJ Barner carries the higher 2026 projection at 142 PPR points (8.4 per game), compared with 130 for Gunnar Helm.
Where are AJ Barner and Gunnar Helm being drafted?
AJ Barner has an ADP around pick 189 (round 16), while Gunnar Helm goes closer to pick 233 (round 20).
Who is ranked higher, AJ Barner or Gunnar Helm?
Expert consensus ranks AJ Barner (TE22) ahead of Gunnar Helm (TE25) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.