Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Jahmyr Gibbs

Monday, January 6, 1:09 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught all seven of his targets for 63 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. LaPorta played a large role in helping the Lions secure the NFC's top seed, both this weekend and over a greater stretch of games. In fact, over the final six weeks of the regular season, he ranked first among tight ends in fantasy points (tied with Trey McBride). It was impressive to watch the 23-year-old overcome a tough start to 2024 and finish the season as one of fantasy football's most productive, impactful tight ends. He should remain in the mid-range TE1 tier for 2025, and this season should serve as a reminder to fantasy managers that LaPorta is a top fantasy option regardless of whether his role in the Detroit offense takes a little while to develop.

Monday, January 6, 12:51 AM

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs totaled 139 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns on 23 carries during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Minnesota Vikings. He also caught all five of his targets for 31 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. When all was said and done, Gibbs totaled 170 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns while leading the Lions to a division title and the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoff picture. The 22-year-old running back was terrific while playing alongside David Montgomery (knee) for most of the 2024 season, and he has jumped to the elite tier ever since his backfield-mate went down with a knee injury. Even if Montgomery returns for the Divisional Round of the NFL playoffs, Gibbs will remain a high-end RB1 for fantasy purposes thanks to his nearly unparalleled rushing, receiving, and touchdown upside.