Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Brock Bowers

Friday, November 21, 12:17 PM

According to Detroit Football Network's Justin Rogers, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) is likely to miss the remainder of the season after successful surgery on his back. The 24-year-old was amid a rebound campaign, posting a 40/489/3 line before sustaining a back injury in their 44-22 win over the Commanders in Week 10. However, his status quickly deteriorated, and he's now facing a significant recovery. Fellow tight end Brock Wright (ankle) will operate as Detroit's TE1 in his teammate's stead, with Ross Dwelley working in behind him. Neither projects to be particularly useful for fantasy.

Saturday, December 13, 12:54 AM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been a terrific fantasy football contributor lately. In six weeks since returning from injury, Bowers is averaging 5.7 catches, 65.7 yards, and one touchdown per game, and he ranks as the overall TE2 in half-PPR leagues during that span. He has posted double-digit fantasy points in five of those six contests, and he has found the end zone in each of his last two games. All in all, Bowers has been one of the few bright spots in Las Vegas' otherwise bleak offense. Because of that, we expect that he'll continue to thrive as a strong fantasy option when quarterback Kenny Pickett replaces Geno Smith (back, shoulder) in Week 15 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Bowers should serve as a dependable high-volume target in this Pickett-led offense despite the Eagles allowing the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends in 2025. Bowers has shown that he is matchup-proof and should be started in all leagues, regardless of opponent. That's why he ranks as the overall TE3 in this week's RotoBaller fantasy football rankings.