Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Parker Washington

Saturday, December 21, 9:17 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta hasn't had the monster season that many were predicting but he has made some strides over the last few weeks. Ahead of Week 16 at the Chicago Bears, LaPorta is looking like a good option at the tight end position. The Iowa product scored two touchdowns in the Thanksgiving matchup between the Lions and Bears in Detroit. The Bears are about middle of the pack against tight ends in fantasy points allowed, so LaPorta looks like a promising threat to score a touchdown in this matchup. In his last four games, LaPorta has seen at least six targets in each game and saw 10 targets against Buffalo last week. An increased role along with his red-zone prowess makes LaPorta a favorable start at the tight end position in the fantasy playoffs.

Saturday, December 21, 12:00 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Parker Washington is a difficult player for fantasy managers in the playoffs to feel good about starting in Week 16 against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders serve as a good matchup for the young receiver, but Washington has been overshadowed by Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange ever since he broke out with six catches for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Houston Texans in Week 13. Also, Mac Jones has been a volatile player when replacing Trevor Lawrence at quarterback, either having good enough games to support multiple receiving options in fantasy or struggling to support even one. Despite a great matchup with the Raiders, it is hard to recommend Washington with confidence in Week 16 due to his target competition and inconsistent quarterback play.