John Bates vs Will Kacmarek
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
Slight lean · 52% confident
John Bates- Experts agree: consensus rank 454 vs 468
- Healthier: no injury designation vs Questionable
Will Kacmarek carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
John Bates and Will Kacmarek are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. John Bates holds the edge in expert consensus (TE66 to TE69). The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Will Kacmarek at 62 PPR points (3.6 per game) versus John Bates at 32.
Will Kacmarek is the younger option (age 23), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, John Bates is the narrow pick on stronger expert consensus. Will Kacmarek carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Head-to-head
| Stat | Bates | Kacmarek |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 32 | 62 |
| Points / game | 1.8 | - |
| Games played | 15 | - |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #454 | #468 |
| Positional rank | TE67 | - |
| Snap share | 50% | - |
| Red-zone touches | 2 | - |
| Age | 28 | 23 |
| 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 Will Kacmarek.
Frequently asked
Should I draft John Bates or Will Kacmarek in 2026?
John Bates is a slight lean over Will Kacmarek for 2026, on stronger expert consensus. Will Kacmarek carries more upside if you need a ceiling (younger / higher projection).
Who is projected to score more, John Bates or Will Kacmarek?
Will Kacmarek carries the higher 2026 projection at 62 PPR points (3.6 per game), compared with 32 for John Bates.
Who is ranked higher, John Bates or Will Kacmarek?
Expert consensus ranks John Bates (TE66) ahead of Will Kacmarek (TE69) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.