Who Should I Start? Drew Sample or Oronde Gadsden

Saturday, September 27, 2:08 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Drew Sample has only three catches this season, with one resulting in a trip to the end zone. The 29-year-old has logged more snaps than Mike Gesicki and Noah Fant (foot) through the first three weeks of the 2025 campaign. However, both have received more attention from quarterbacks Joe Burrow (toe) and Jake Browning. The Bengals offense is a mess, which has been a surprise to most. As a result, it's hard to trust anyone on that side of the ball. Granted, Sample should continue to lead the position in snaps, especially with his abilities as a blocker. Still, while he will likely add a few more scores to his resume before the end of the season, he's not consistent enough to be considered a starting fantasy option in any format in Week 4 versus the Broncos.

Monday, December 29, 9:29 PM

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden found the end zone for the first time since Week 8 during Saturday's loss to the Houston Texans. The rookie tight end was able to salvage his fantasy value with a one-yard touchdown. He finished the game with three receptions on six targets for 32 yards and the one score. His value has been inconsistent this season, and it's not going to get any better in Week 18 in the regular-season finale on the road against a tough Denver Broncos defense. The Chargers are expected to rest most of their starters in Week 18, which includes quarterback Justin Herbert. Backup Trey Lance will take over under center, which will be a downgrade for the entire offense. It's unclear how much Gadsden is going to play, and having a backup QB throwing the rock around isn't going to do him any favors. Fantasy managers are better off looking elsewhere for TE help in Week 18.