Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Dalton Kincaid

Wednesday, January 7, 7:18 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) said earlier this week that he's entering the next stage of his rehab from back surgery, and he plans to be fully cleared before the start of training camp at the end of July, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News. LaPorta played in only nine games in 2025 before suffering a herniated disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9. In addition to his rehab, the 24-year-old will be focused on trying to ink a contract extension with the Lions this offseason. LaPorta burst onto the scene in his rookie year in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He wasn't quite as good in 2024, but he still had a 60-726-7 line in 16 games. Obviously, LaPorta's production suffered in 2025 due to injury, but he'll be a prime bounce-back candidate at the TE position in 2026 for the Lions.

Thursday, January 15, 3:47 PM

Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (knee, calf) was limited in practice all week with knee and calf injuries, but he was cleared from the final injury report on Thursday and will be active on Saturday against the hosting Denver Broncos in the Divisional Round. Kincaid might not be 100% healthy this weekend, but he'll be available and should be one of quarterback Josh Allen's top targets, especially with receivers Gabe Davis (knee) and Tyrell Shavers (knee) out. The Broncos' defense was pretty stingy all year against opposing offenses, but they were around the middle of the pack in terms of half-PPR points allowed per game to the TE position. Given the lack of aerial weapons for Allen, he'll be forced to use both Kincaid and TE Dawson Knox. Kincaid is coming off a touchdown in the Wild-Card win over the Jaguars and should be considered a top-three TE in fantasy lineups this weekend.