Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Trey McBride

Tuesday, January 20, 7:10 PM

According to The Athletic's Colton Pouncy, blending new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing's scheme with what the Detroit Lions already do on offense could make tight end Sam LaPorta an "even bigger priority in the passing game" in 2026. Former tight ends coach and current head coach Dan Campbell already clearly values the position. Before having season-ending back surgery, LaPorta was having a Pro Bowl season, catching 40 of his 49 targets for 489 yards and three touchdowns in nine starts. Petzing spent two seasons as the tight ends coach with the Cleveland Browns, and he prioritized the TE position in Arizona, with Trey McBride being one of the best players at his position in the NFL. Petzing isn't expected to run as much 12 personnel (two TEs) in Detroit, given the investments made at the position, but LaPorta could be in for a nice bounce-back year in 2026 if he's healthy.

Sunday, December 28, 8:14 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride caught 10 of his 13 targets for 76 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 17 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. McBride continues to be the top-scoring tight end in fantasy football this season, and he widened the gap between himself and the rest of the tight end position on Sunday afternoon. Along the way, he also set a new NFL record for most catches by a tight end in a single season. It's safe to say that McBride is the best and most dependable tight end in the league. He should continue to be deployed as a high-end TE1 in a pass-heavy game approach against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 18. He also figures to be the first tight end off the board (and a potential first-round pick) in 2026 fantasy football drafts.