Who Should I Start? DeAndre Hopkins or Sam LaPorta

Saturday, January 4, 1:52 PM

Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. In the past three weeks, Hopkins has taken a backseat as Xavier Worthy has emerged as the team's WR1. The Chiefs have already clinched the top seed in the AFC, so they have nothing to play for in the regular season. Given their status atop the league, Hopkins and other starters could be rested to save them for the playoffs. That said, Hopkins does have some contract incentives to play for if he does suit up. The 32-year-old could earn $500,000 if he finds the endzone this week against the Broncos, who rank 16th in fantasy points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season. Hopkins will have to rely on Carson Wentz to feed him the ball since Patrick Mahomes is doubtful for this week's contest. The veteran receiver is ranked WR77 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a desperation flex option this week.

Monday, January 6, 1:09 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught all seven of his targets for 63 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta played a large role in helping the Lions secure the NFC's top seed, both this weekend and over a greater stretch of games. In fact, over the final six weeks of the regular season, he ranked first among tight ends in fantasy points (tied with Trey McBride). It was impressive to watch the 23-year-old overcome a tough start to 2024 and finish the season as one of fantasy football's most productive, impactful tight ends. He should remain in the mid-range TE1 tier for 2025, and this season should serve as a reminder to fantasy managers that LaPorta is a top fantasy option regardless of whether his role in the Detroit offense takes a little while to develop.