Gunnar Helm vs T.J. Hockenson
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- Higher projection: 155 vs 130 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 177 vs 216
- More points per game: 7.5 vs 5.7
Gunnar Helm and T.J. Hockenson are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. T.J. Hockenson holds the edge in expert consensus (TE21 to TE25). T.J. Hockenson typically comes off the board first, around pick 165 (round 14) to Gunnar Helm's pick 233. The 2026 projections give a modest edge: T.J. Hockenson at 155 PPR points (9.1 per game) versus Gunnar Helm at 130.
Last season T.J. Hockenson carried the heavier workload (79% snap share, 67 touches to Gunnar Helm's 55), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Gunnar Helm is the younger option (age 24), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, T.J. Hockenson is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Helm | Hockenson |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 130 | 155 |
| Points / game | 5.7 | 7.5 |
| Games played | 16 | 15 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #216 | #177 |
| ADP | 233 | 165 |
| Positional rank | TE30 | TE25 |
| Snap share | 53% | 79% |
| Red-zone touches | 7 | 12 |
| Age | 24 | 29 |
| Bye week | 9 | 6 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: Gunnar Helm or T.J. Hockenson.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Gunnar Helm or T.J. Hockenson in 2026?
T.J. Hockenson 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, Gunnar Helm or T.J. Hockenson?
T.J. Hockenson carries the higher 2026 projection at 155 PPR points (9.1 per game), compared with 130 for Gunnar Helm.
Where are Gunnar Helm and T.J. Hockenson being drafted?
T.J. Hockenson has an ADP around pick 165 (round 14), while Gunnar Helm goes closer to pick 233 (round 20).
Who is ranked higher, Gunnar Helm or T.J. Hockenson?
Expert consensus ranks T.J. Hockenson (TE21) 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.