Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Khalil Shakir

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.

Sunday, January 12, 6:00 PM

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir caught all six of his targets for 61 yards in the team's 31-7 win over the Denver Broncos in the opening round of the postseason. It's the first time since Week 7 that Shakir secured all his targets and the sixth time this season. He led the Bills in receptions and targets but trailed Curtis Samuel (68) in yards thanks to a long completion to the latter. Shakir remains Josh Allen's favorite receiver and should be heavily involved when the Bills host the Baltimore Ravens in the Divisional round next weekend.