Who Should I Start? Taysom Hill or Ja'Tavion Sanders

Monday, October 21, 4:14 PM

New Orleans Saints head coach Dennis Allen said that he thinks there's a chance that tight end Taysom Hill (ribs) can play on Sunday in Week 8 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Hill is dealing with fractured ribs and hasn't played for the Saints since Week 4. The 34-year-old Swiss Army knife of an offensive weapon could return this weekend, but he'll need to prove he's ready in practices this week. It's possible that Hill could have an expanded role in the backfield, and perhaps even under center for some plays, if quarterback Derek Carr (oblique) isn't ready to return in Week 8. However, fantasy managers can't bank on that kind of role from a player whose involvement is already unpredictable. In his three games in 2024, Hill has 14 carries for 77 yards and two TDs while catching only two passes for two yards. If Hill returns in Week 8, he'll be an extremely volatile flex play or TE2.

Sunday, October 13, 10:10 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders caught 5-of-7 targets for 49 yards in Sunday's loss to their division-rival Atlanta Falcons. It was the most productive outing of Sanders' young career thus far, and he's performed well in the stead of teammate Tommy Tremble (concussion). The rookie tight end's five targets in Week 5 were more than Tremble had racked up in any contest this season, and he might have made a case for a more prominent role even when the injured Tremble returns to the lineup. It's a case worth monitoring, though the future of this offense is murky. For now, Andy Dalton is the quarterback, but for how long has yet to be determined. The 21-year-old could be busy again in Week 7 when he lines up against a Washington Commanders squad that came into this Sunday averaging the most points in the NFL. However, he'll be tough to trust as a viable source of fantasy output, especially if Tremble is active.