Who Should I Start? Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta

Wednesday, January 1, 3:07 PM

In addition to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes being rested in the Week 18 regular-season finale on Sunday versus the division-rival Denver Broncos, ESPN's Adam Schefter suggests that tight end Travis Kelce, running back Isiah Pacheco (ribs), defensive tackle Chris Jones, defensive end George Karlaftis and defensive back Trent McDuffie could all sit out. The Chiefs have already secured the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the playoffs, so they will rest some key players on both sides of the ball. Carson Wentz will make his first start of the season under center for KC in a game that the Broncos must win to land the seventh and final playoff spot in the AFC. If the 35-year-old Kelce does start, he probably won't stick around long before being pulled, so fantasy managers playing DFS in Week 18 should look to avoid him.

Tuesday, December 31, 12:33 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught six of his eight targets for 64 yards and one touchdown during Monday's Week 17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. LaPorta had a relatively quiet and inconsistent start to the season, but he has come on incredibly strong lately, posting double-digit fantasy points in each of his last five contests. In fact, he ranks as the overall TE1 since Week 13, scoring 6.6 points more than the second-highest tight end scorer, Trey McBride. As long as the Lions' offense keeps surging, LaPorta should remain an integral contributor within the passing attack. His ability to command targets, catch passes, rack up yardage, and score touchdowns parallels the NFL's elite tight ends, like McBride, Travis Kelce, George Kittle, and Brock Bowers. Fantasy managers should continue to view LaPorta as a mid-to-high TE1 option for Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings.