Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Tetairoa McMillan

Wednesday, January 7, 7:18 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (back) said earlier this week that he's entering the next stage of his rehab from back surgery, and he plans to be fully cleared before the start of training camp at the end of July, according to Richard Silva of The Detroit News. LaPorta played in only nine games in 2025 before suffering a herniated disc in his back against the Washington Commanders on Nov. 9. In addition to his rehab, the 24-year-old will be focused on trying to ink a contract extension with the Lions this offseason. LaPorta burst onto the scene in his rookie year in 2023 with 86 receptions, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games. He wasn't quite as good in 2024, but he still had a 60-726-7 line in 16 games. Obviously, LaPorta's production suffered in 2025 due to injury, but he'll be a prime bounce-back candidate at the TE position in 2026 for the Lions.

Saturday, January 10, 11:03 AM

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan put together an impressive rookie campaign, finishing with 70 catches for 1,014 yards and seven touchdowns while playing all 17 games. McMillan is currently a heavy favorite to take home the Offensive Rookie of the Year award after serving as the engine of Carolina's passing attack. The 22-year-old wideout earned a team high 25.8% target share and recorded at least five receptions in seven games. He caught only one of his two targets in Carolina's Week 13 matchup against the Rams, but he thought it went for a 43-yard touchdown. McMillan is in a good position for a better statistical output in Saturday's rematch, as the Rams have allowed the third-most catches per game (5.4) and third-most yards per game (72.6) to opposing teams' WR1s this season.