THE ALTERNATIVE
John Bates
TE · WASStats & schedule ›1.4FF projected
↑ +0.1 vs ESPN
vs PHISun 8:20 PM ET
Should I start John Bates or Will Kacmarek this week? Week 8 Half-PPR (2026)
THE RESEARCH PICK
Start Will Kacmarek
Week 8 · Half-PPR
Will Kacmarek averaged 1.3 targets per game across the last 3 recorded games, compared with 0.7 for John Bates. More opportunities provide another route to fantasy points. Will Kacmarek receives the better positional matchup adjustment (0% versus -2.5%).
Forecast updated · Half-PPR
vs PHIRESEARCH PICK
Will Kacmarek
TE · MIAStats & schedule ›1.5FF projected
↓ -0.1 vs ESPN
vs NESun 4:25 PM ET
John Bates
FF1.4 FP
Boosted Trees1.6 FP
Workload1.0 FP
Monte Carlo0.9 FP
- Recent scoring average: 0.8 FP.
- The PHI defensive matchup changes the FF estimate down 2.5%.
- The saved workload scenario allocates 0.7 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
- Return scenarios include Marcus Mariota; their availability can redistribute the workload.
- Last 3 recorded games: 0.7 targets per game.
Will Kacmarek
FF1.5 FP
Boosted Trees1.9 FP
Workload1.7 FP
Monte Carlo1.2 FP
- Recent scoring average: 0.5 FP.
- The saved workload scenario allocates 1.3 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
- Return scenarios include Jaylen Wright; their availability can redistribute the workload.
- Last 3 recorded games: 1.3 targets per game.
John Bates
Fortified1.4
ESPN1.3
Sleeper1.4
FantasyPros1.7
John Bates faces PHI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 0.8 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 2.5%.
Will Kacmarek
Fortified1.5
ESPN1.7
Sleeper1.0
FantasyPros1.8
Will Kacmarek faces NE in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 0.5 fantasy points.
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