John Bates vs Josh Oliver
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
Josh Oliver- Experts agree: consensus rank 452 vs 454
- More points per game: 3.7 vs 1.8
- More opportunity: 46% snap share, 6 red-zone touches
John Bates carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
John Bates and Josh Oliver are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Josh Oliver holds the edge in expert consensus (TE65 to TE66). The 2026 projections are nearly even: John Bates at 32 PPR points (1.9 per game) versus Josh Oliver at 31.
Last season Josh Oliver carried the heavier workload (46% snap share, 19 touches to John Bates's 16), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Josh Oliver is the clear pick on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. John Bates carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Bates | Oliver |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 32 | 31 |
| Points / game | 1.8 | 3.7 |
| Games played | 15 | 15 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #454 | #452 |
| Positional rank | TE67 | TE48 |
| Snap share | 50% | 46% |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | 6 |
| Age | 28 | 29 |
| Bye week | 7 | 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: John Bates or Josh Oliver.
Frequently asked
Should I draft John Bates or Josh Oliver in 2026?
Josh Oliver is a clear call over John Bates for 2026, on stronger expert consensus and the bigger workload. John Bates carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, John Bates or Josh Oliver?
John Bates carries the higher 2026 projection at 32 PPR points (1.9 per game), compared with 31 for Josh Oliver.
Who is ranked higher, John Bates or Josh Oliver?
Expert consensus ranks Josh Oliver (TE65) ahead of John Bates (TE66) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.