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
Strong edge · 95% confident
John Bates- Experts agree: consensus rank 454 vs 467
- More points per game: 1.3 vs 0.9
- More opportunity: 43% snap share, 1 red-zone touches
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 TE68). The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Will Kacmarek at 62 PPR points (3.6 per game) versus John Bates at 32.
Last season John Bates carried the heavier workload (43% snap share, 6 touches to Will Kacmarek's 6), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. Will Kacmarek is the younger option (age 23), which tilts the long-term and dynasty edge. For a 2026 redraft, John Bates is the clear 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 | 1.3 | 0.9 |
| Games played | 6 | 6 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #454 | #467 |
| Scoring rank (season) | TE53 | TE59 |
| Snap share | 43% | 41% |
| Red-zone touches | 1 | 0 |
| Age | 28 | 23 |
| Bye week | 7 | 6 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2026 (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 clear call 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 (TE68) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.