Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Ja'Tavion Sanders

Tuesday, October 21, 1:24 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta was held in check by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7, recording three catches for 15 yards on three targets in his team's 24-9 win. LaPorta had recorded back-to-back games with five catches, 50-plus receiving yards, and a touchdown leading into Week 7, so his showing against Tampa Bay is a letdown for fantasy managers. LaPorta has recorded 29 receptions for 339 yards and two touchdowns on 36 targets across seven games so far this season. With an average of just over five targets per game, LaPorta will likely remain heavily reliant on touchdowns for fantasy production. Detroit has its bye in Week 8 before hosting the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9.

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.