Who Should I Start? Donald Parham or Sam LaPorta

Monday, August 12, 8:26 PM

As things currently stand in training camp, The Athletic's Daniel Popper lists Los Angeles Chargers tight ends Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst and Stone Smartt as the three TEs he thinks will make the final roster. Donald Parham Jr. and Ben Mason have missed significant practice time with injuries, and when Parham has been on the field, he has been working with the second and third teams. His blocking also remains a weakness. Zach Heins and Luke Benson have flashed at times, but they don't seem deserving of a roster spot over one of the other team's receivers. Smartt has improved as a blocker, which is why Popper thinks he'll earn a 53-man roster spot for a run-heavy Greg Roman offense this year. Parham's fantasy value in dynasty/keeper leagues is quickly evaporating, even though he set career-highs in catches (27), yards (285) and touchdowns (four) in 2023.

Sunday, October 20, 8:25 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta struggled in Week 7, contributing minimally in the 31-29 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta managed just one catch on two targets for 25 yards, marking another disappointing performance. He has now finished with single-digit fantasy points in five of six games this season, a sharp contrast from his consistency last year. Despite the Lions' offensive success, LaPorta's role remains limited, leaving fantasy managers searching for answers. The Lions will aim to get him more involved in their Week 8 home matchup against the Tennessee Titans.