Who Should I Start? Caleb Williams or Dylan Sampson

Thursday, January 15, 10:18 AM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland went nuclear in the Wild Card Round, hauling in eight of 15 targets for 137 yards in the 31-27 win over the Green Bay Packers. Loveland was disappointing early in the season, ranking as the TE50 through the first eight weeks. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has ranked as the TE2 since Week 9, trailing only Trey McBride, and has fully cemented himself as a top option at the position in the divisional round. He faces a Los Angeles Rams defense that has ranked in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. The Bears have a crowded receiver room, including Rome Odunze, D.J. Moore, and Luther Burden III, but Loveland's connection with quarterback Caleb Williams stands out, and the rookie tight end is a strong option against the Rams.

Saturday, January 3, 12:12 PM

Cleveland Browns running back Dylan Sampson returned from calf and hand injuries that sidelined him for two games in Week 17 and recorded 27 yards from scrimmage on 14 touches against the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Browns running back Quinshon Judkins (leg, ankle) on Injured Reserve, Sampson should have a chance to lead his team's backfield once again in Week 18 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Cincinnati has been one of the NFL's worst rush defenses in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in yards per carry allowed (5.2) and 32nd in runs of 20 or more yards allowed (19). Sampson will likely split touches with Browns backs Raheim Sanders and Trayveon Williams in Week 18, which limits his ceiling. However, Sampson has recorded 10 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets across his last four games, which provides a relatively safe PPR floor. Fantasy managers should view Sampson as a low-end flex option in Week 18 against Cincinnati.