John Bates or Will Kacmarek: Who Should You Start?

Too close to call — the edges cancel out.

John Bates and Will Kacmarek grade out even this week. Bates's best edge is the game script (20.5 implied points to 19.3), Kacmarek's best edge is the matchup (5 of 32 to 2) — and they cancel out. Start whichever player's game you trust more this week.

John Bates

TEWSHvs PHI

1.11.51.9 Projected Points

Sit

Will Kacmarek

TEMIAvs LV

1.31.92.4 Projected Points

Sit

Why John Bates

Sit

TE2 in blocking role. In-line grinder used in heavy sets and short-yardage.

Sit — projects TE59 this week: PHI is the 2nd-toughest matchup vs TEs, 7% target share in 2025.

Carries a Questionable tag — usually plays, but monitor the final report.
PHI ranks 2 of 32 against TEs (one of the tougher matchups, 17-game sample).
Vegas implies 20.5 team points as 5.5-point underdogs.
Listed TE on the latest depth chart with a 55% snap share in 2025.

Why Will Kacmarek

Sit

Backup TE in blocking role. In-line contributor with minimal receiving usage.

Sit — projects TE52 this week: LV is the 5th-toughest matchup vs TEs, Questionable on the latest report.

Carries a Questionable tag — usually plays, but monitor the final report.
LV ranks 5 of 32 against TEs (one of the tougher matchups, 17-game sample).
Vegas implies 19.3 team points as 3.0-point underdogs.
Listed TE on the latest depth chart.

Head-to-head stats

Metric	John Bates	Will Kacmarek
Projected points	1.11.51.9	1.31.92.4
Opponent vs position	PHI · 2 of 3217-game sample	LV · 5 of 3217-game sample
Receptions	2 of 32	3 of 32
Receiving Yards	1 of 32	3 of 32
Receiving TDs	1 of 32	9 of 32
Targets	6 of 32	3 of 32
Anytime TD	1 of 32	9 of 32
Target share	7%(2025)	—
Reception share	7%(2025)	—
Implied total · spread	20.5+5.5	19.3+3.0
Depth chart	TE2	TE2
Snap share	55%(2025)	—
Injury designation	Questionable	Q