Who Should I Start? Trey McBride or Brock Wright

Saturday, December 20, 4:02 PM

Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride remains a top fantasy option despite a difficult matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 16. On paper, it may appear that the odds are stacked against McBride. Not only is he facing a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2025, but he could also face additional competition if Marvin Harrison Jr. (heel, questionable) returns from his two-game absence. However, McBride has consistently established himself as matchup-proof this year, so he should feast despite facing Atlanta. Furthermore, he could still lead the team in targets and catches, even if Harrison does return to the mix. In total this year, the 26-year-old has 105 catches, 1,071 yards, and a career-high 10 touchdowns. He is on track to finish this year as the overall TE1 in PPR leagues after finishing 2024 as the TE2. McBride has especially benefited from the presence of quarterback Jacoby Brissett. In full-PPR leagues, he averaged 12.5 fantasy points per game with Kyler Murray (foot) as the starter, and a whopping 23.3 fantasy points per game with Brissett as the starter. We should expect more otherworldly, video-game numbers from McBride this week. He's the undisputed TE1 in this week's fantasy rankings and should be a must-start as the fantasy playoffs continue.

Thursday, December 4, 6:25 PM

The Detroit Lions announced on Thursday before their game against the Dallas Cowboys that they placed tight end Brock Wright (neck) on Injured Reserve. In corresponding moves, the team signed cornerback Nick Whiteside to the 53-man active roster from the practice squad and also elevated wide receiver Malik Cunningham from the practice squad. Wright will join Sam LaPorta (back) on IR and won't be eligible to return until the Week 18 regular-season finale against the division-rival Chicago Bears on Jan. 4. With both Wright and LaPorta sidelined, Ross Dwelley figures to see the most TE snaps for the Lions, with Anthony Firkser also being involved. Both tight ends are more of blockers than pass-catchers, though, and should be avoided in most fantasy football leagues. In last week's loss to the Packers, Dwelley and Firkser combined for two catches on four targets for just seven yards.