Gunnar Helm or Kyle Monangai: Who Should You Start?

2026 Week 1 · deterministic head-to-head · Verdicts based on PPR scoring.

Helm’s starting role offsets Monangai’s stronger scoring outlook

Helm has the clearer path to steady snaps as Tennessee’s listed starter, which keeps his higher-end positional standing relevant despite the lower team total (Yahoo Sports (Titans Wire) 2026-08-30). Monangai brings the better scoring environment, but his RB2 designation behind D’Andre Swift makes the projection more fragile (Sports Illustrated (SI.com) 2026-08-31). His return from the knee issue removes the immediate availability concern, yet this remains level: Helm’s role is steadier, while Monangai offers more touchdown and rushing upside (ESPN 2026-09-10).

What flips it: Monangai taking clear lead-back work ahead of Week 1.

Sources: Yahoo Sports (Titans Wire) · Aug 30, 2026 · ESPN · Sep 10, 2026 · Sports Illustrated (SI.com) · Aug 31, 2026

AI editor

Gunnar Helm

Gunnar Helm

TE24TENvs NYJ

Projected Points

Sit
Kyle Monangai

Kyle Monangai

RB36CHIvs CAR

Projected Points

Toss-Up

Gunnar Helm’s market

REC
O/U 2.5
+101 / -129
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 22.5
-108 / -116
Receiving Yards Props →
ATD
Anytime TD
+475
Anytime Touchdown Props →

Kyle Monangai’s market

RUSH YDS
O/U 31.5
-112 / -112
Rushing Yards Props →
REC
O/U 1.5
+179 / -231
Receptions Props →
REC YDS
O/U 5.5
-120 / -106
ATD
Anytime TD
+220
Anytime Touchdown Props →
NYJ@
TENSun, Sep 13, 1:00 PM ETView the game →
CHI@
CARSun, Sep 13, 1:00 PM ETView the game →

Why Gunnar Helm

Sit

Starting TE and volume underneath target. Reliable seam and checkdown option with developing in-line blocking.

Sit — bench-tier TE at consensus TE24: 11% target share in 2025, 7.5 PPR projected vs NYJ.

  • A confirmed starting role gives Helm a more dependable floor than his consensus rank suggests.
  • His underneath and seam usage can keep him relevant without needing a touchdown.

Latest on Helm

Role

Helm is listed as the Titans' starting tight end on the initial 53-man roster, with Daniel Bellinger, David Martin-Robinson and Kylen Granson behind him.

Yahoo Sports (Titans Wire) · Aug 30, 2026

Why Kyle Monangai

Toss-Up

RB2 and complementary early-down back. Compact, decisive downhill runner with productive rookie-year workload.

Toss-up — RB36 consensus, projects RB34 this week: 6% target share in 2025, 10.3 PPR projected vs CAR.

  • Monangai’s downhill style fits an offense with the stronger scoring outlook.
  • The RB2 role still leaves room for a bigger workload if Chicago leans on him early.

Latest on Monangai

Status

Monangai was also removed from the Bears' injury report entering Week 1 after being sidelined since Aug. 16 with a hyperextended knee, having returned to practice Monday for the first time since the injury.

ESPN · Sep 10, 2026
Role

Kyle Monangai enters Week 1 listed as the No. 2 running back behind D'Andre Swift on Chicago's post-cuts depth chart, rather than as the lead back.

Sports Illustrated (SI.com), Sports Illustrated · Aug 31, 2026

Head-to-head stats

MetricGunnar HelmKyle Monangai
Projected points
Consensus rankTE24RB36
Opponent vs positionNYJno ranking yetCARno ranking yet
Target share11%(2025)6%(2025)
Reception share14%(2025)5%(2025)
Implied total · spread21.3-3.023.5-2.5
Depth chartTE1RB2
Snap share53%(2025)41%(2025)

Signal breakdown

  • 7.5 vs 10.3 projected PPR pointsKyle Monangai +
  • Rank 24 vs 36Gunnar Helm +
  • Matchup (DvP composite)even
  • Implied 21.3 vs 23.5 team pointsKyle Monangai +
  • No injury designationseven
  • 53% vs 41% snap shareGunnar Helm +

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