Who Should I Start? Colby Parkinson or Payne Durham

Saturday, December 6, 11:09 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson has established himself as a fantasy-relevant option heading into Week 14 against the Arizona Cardinals. Parkinson has emerged as the Rams' top tight end with Tyler Higbee (ankle) on injured reserve, catching 14 of 16 targets for 123 yards and three touchdowns over his last four games. During that four-week window, he ranks as the overall TE6 in half-PPR leagues. Parkinson should continue to find success this week against the Cardinals, who have allowed the 11th-most fantasy points to oppsoing tight ends in 2025. Perhaps the biggest indication that Parkinson faces minimal competition atop the depth chart is that rookie Terrance Ferguson, who had made some big plays when Higbee was healthy, has just three targets and zero catches over the last three weeks. Parkinson has played well enough that Matthew Stafford trusts throwing him the ball, which is enough to preserve his fantasy relevance for another week. He ranks as the overall TE23 in RotoBaller's Week 14 fantasy rankings, but he clearly has top-10 upside. Managers should feel comfortable starting him in leagues with at least 10 teams, especially with bye weeks and injuries limiting the pool of viable streamers at the tight end position.

Friday, August 29, 8:14 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Payne Durham could potentially see a larger role in the offense to begin the regular season. The Bucs are uncertain if starting tight end Cade Otton (leg) is going to be ready to play during the season opener. The team will likely wait and see how Otton progresses throughout next week before making a final decision. If he misses time, Payne Durham and Devin Culp figure to split up time as the starting tight end. Durham didn't see a ton of action last season, but played well when Otton missed time late in the season. When Otton was out, Durham hauled in nine receptions for 81 yards and two touchdowns as the starter. There's not a lot of value here, but maybe Durham is a dart throw if Otton is unable to go in Week 1.