Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Noah Gray

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.

Saturday, January 4, 11:09 AM

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray will face the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 18. Gray has run behind Travis Kelce all season but still produced fantasy-relevant weeks. With Kelce listed as doubtful for this week's contest, Gray should be prepared to handle the full workload this week. The 25-year-old will take on the Broncos, who rank 18th in fantasy points allowed to opposing tight ends this season. Gray had a five-game stretch from Weeks 11 to 15 where he found the endzone five times, more than Kelce scored all season. Gray's ceiling will be capped with Patrick Mahomes set to miss this week's contest. Carson Wentz will be at the helm of the Chiefs offense, making Gray a lower-tier option. Gray is ranked TE15 in our RotoBaller Half-PPR rankings, making him a viable TE2 option this week. Fantasy managers can start Gray and hope he finds pay dirt.