Who Should I Start? Jake Ferguson or Sam LaPorta

Tuesday, September 2, 11:09 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson has the potential to be a big-time contributor in fantasy football this season, but Week 1 might not be the week to start him. On one hand, there's merit behind the idea that Ferguson could benefit from the Cowboys throwing the football a lot, assuming they fall behind early. However, he still faces an uphill battle to produce against an Eagles defense that shut down the tight end position last year. Through 17 games in 2024, Philadelphia's defense allowed the fewest receiving yards, third-fewest catches, and third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends. Ferguson likely doesn't have the top-tier talent that's required to buck that trend. After all, in his two games against the Eagles last year, he totaled seven catches for a measly 42 yards. Additionally, each of his two fumbles last season came against Philadelphia. He ranks outside the top 12 at his position this week.

Tuesday, August 19, 1:18 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (undisclosed) returned to training camp practice on Tuesday, according to Colton Pouncy of The Athletic. LaPorta has been held out of practices recently with a minor undisclosed issue, but it was never considered serious. It's unclear if he'll make his debut this preseason in the finale on Saturday against the Houston Texans. The 24-year-old former second-rounder (34th overall) in 2023 out of Iowa put himself on the fantasy map right away in his rookie campaign with an 86-889-10 line in 17 games (14 starts). He took a slight step backwards in his sophomore season with a 60-726-7 line in 16 regular-season starts. LaPorta has plenty of competition in a still stacked Lions offense which will be run by new offensive coordinator John Morton. However, in one of the top offenses in the league, LaPorta should be considered a top-five fantasy TE.