Who Should I Start? Theo Johnson or Colston Loveland

Monday, October 20, 12:29 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson caught three of his seven targets for 66 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 7 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. The highlight of his performance was a 41-yard touchdown in which Johnson caught the pass that had deflected off one of his teammates. The 24-year-old has been quite productive since the Giants lost Malik Nabers (knee), posting 14 catches, 143 yards, and four touchdowns over his last four games. During that four-week window, he's the overall TE5 in PPR leagues. Interestingly, he has shown that he can co-exist alongside Daniel Bellinger, as the two tight ends have combined for at least seven catches in two of the Giants' last three games. With that being said, Johnson, whose fantasy value has become touchdown-dependent, remains the preferred option in the passing game over Bellinger. He's a mid-to-high TE2 heading into Week 8 against Philadelphia.

Saturday, October 18, 12:19 PM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland could be on the verge of a breakout performance in Week 7 against the New Orleans Saints. It's been a quiet start to his rookie campaign, with five catches for 54 yards through five games. The tenth overall pick has opened the season behind veteran Cole Kmet, but Week 6 hinted at a gap closing between the two. Kmet played 52% of the snaps, while Loveland saw 43%, even as the Bears used two-tight end sets at their lowest rate of the year. Head coach Ben Johnson later said the formation usage was game-plan specific, but Loveland's increased role is a promising sign. The rookie now faces a Saints defense that has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to tight ends this season. While Loveland isn't startable yet, Week 7 could mark the beginning of his breakout as he continues to close the gap for TE1 duties in Chicago.