Who Should I Start? Taysom Hill or Sam LaPorta

Friday, December 6, 5:10 PM

The New Orleans Saints officially placed tight end Taysom Hill (knee) on Injured Reserve on Friday. In addition to suffering an ACL tear in last week's loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Hill also suffered additional damage to his left knee and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season. It's a tough blow for the 34-year-old and the Saints offense after Hill had 188 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns just two weeks ago. He did it all for the Saints on offense and special teams and will be sorely missed the rest of the way, which should lead to even more volume for running back Alvin Kamara. Hill's fantasy value was peaking just before his injury. He should have already been dropped in redraft leagues, and Hill's availability for the start of the 2025 season could be in jeopardy. Tight end Juwan Johnson becomes stream-worthy in Week 14 against the Giants with six teams on bye.

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.