Who Should I Start? Ja'Tavion Sanders or Colston Loveland

Saturday, October 18, 8:04 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) doesn't carry an injury designation heading into Sunday's matchup versus the Jets. The 22-year-old was trending in the right direction after logging full practice sessions on Thursday and Friday, so he'll make his return after suffering an ankle injury in the Week 3 win over the Atlanta Falcons. Sanders had 11 catches (14 targets) for 92 yards before going on the shelf. While he hasn't been productive throughout his career, desperate fantasy managers can look in his direction against a weak Jets defense. Sanders' return should mean less work for Tommy Tremble, who had four grabs for 39 yards in the Week 6 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

Saturday, October 18, 12:19 PM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland could be on the verge of a breakout performance in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints. It's been a quiet start to his rookie campaign, with five catches for 54 yards through five games. The tenth overall pick has opened the season behind veteran Cole Kmet, but Week 6 hinted at a gap closing between the two. Kmet played 52% of the snaps, while Loveland saw 43%, even as the Bears used two-tight end sets at their lowest rate of the year. Head coach Ben Johnson later said the formation usage was game-plan specific, but Loveland's increased role is a promising sign. The rookie now faces a Saints defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. While Loveland isn't startable yet, Week 7 could mark the beginning of his breakout as he continues to close the gap for TE1 duties in Chicago.