Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Sam LaPorta

Thursday, January 22, 9:11 PM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry let fantasy managers down in the 28-16 Divisional Round win against the Houston Texans, catching just one of two targets for a five-yard gain. Henry played 72% of the offensive snaps, but it was his worst performance of the season against the top defense in the league. Despite his rough showing last weekend, it shouldn't scare fantasy managers away for the AFC Championship this Sunday against the Denver Broncos. Denver's D was one of the better units in the league during the regular season, but they also allowed the ninth-most receiving yards (1,015) to opposing tight ends. Before Henry's dud against Houston, the 31-year-old veteran had three touchdowns in the previous four games for New England. There aren't a lot of sure things at the position at this stage, with only four teams alive, making Henry the No. 1 TE option in most fantasy leagues this week.

Tuesday, January 20, 7:10 PM

According to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, blending new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme with what the Detroit Lions already do on offense could make tight end Sam LaPorta an "even bigger priority in the passing game" in 2026. Former tight ends coach and current head coach Dan Campbell already clearly values the position. Before having season-ending back surgery, LaPorta was having a Pro Bowl season, catching 40 of his 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine starts. Petzing spent two seasons as the tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns, and he prioritized the TE position in Arizona, with Trey McBride being one of the best players at his position in the NFL. Petzing isn't expected to run as much 12 personnel (two TEs) in Detroit, given the investments made at the position, but LaPorta could be in for a nice bounce-back year in 2026 if he's healthy.