Who Should I Start? Tyler Higbee or Colston Loveland

Monday, December 22, 4:35 PM

Head Coach Sean McVay said that the Los Angeles Rams will not activate tight end Tyler Higbee (ankle) from injured reserve for Monday night's matchup against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17, according to Sarah Barshop of ESPN. Higbee was placed on injured reserve due to an ankle injury he sustained in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks. The 32-year-old was eligible to return to play in Week 16 but will remain on injured reserve. Before his injury, Higbee had hauled in 20 catches for 190 receiving yards and two touchdowns on 30 targets. In his absence, Colby Parkinson has stepped into the TE1 role for the Rams offense and has been a reliable streaming option for fantasy managers. With a playoff spot secured, the Rams will want to make sure Higbee is fully healthy before rushing him back into action.

Saturday, December 27, 12:30 AM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland has enjoyed a solid rookie season and responded admirably to increased responsibility despite his inexperience. Loveland was an afterthought in the Bears' offense during the early part of the campaign. However, following an injury to Cole Kmet that forced the veteran to miss Week 8, the 21-year-old has yet to fall under a 59% snap share. Moreover, he's posted at least five targets in five straight appearances, while wide receivers Rome Odunze (foot) and Luther Burden III have dealt with their own respective issues. Considering Odunze has already been ruled out for Sunday's meeting with the 49ers, Loveland should again have a strong role in Chicago's passing game. With Burden back in the fold, Loveland's upside will be capped, but he's remained involved in the red area, boasting twice as many targets as Kmet (10) inside the 20-yard line.