Who Should I Start? Tyler Higbee or Sam LaPorta

Tuesday, January 14, 2:15 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee (chest) exited the NFC Wild Card game against the Minnesota Vikings early due to a chest injury. Head coach Sean McVay said the veteran was spitting up blood on Monday and was sent to the hospital. However, Higbee traveled home with the team and is expected to play in the NFC Divisional Round against the Philadelphia Eagles. The 32-year-old missed the team's first 14 regular season games due to a knee injury before coming back to haul in eight receptions for 66 yards and two scores in three games to close the season. On Monday, he caught all five of his targets for 58 yards before leaving the game in the first half. Los Angeles is clearly looking to get him involved in the offense, but the Eagles allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends in 2024, meaning he's drawing a tough matchup for DFS or fantasy football purposes.

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.