Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Sam LaPorta

Tuesday, January 14, 7:18 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz (rib, rest) was held out of the team's first practice of the week on Tuesday. With rest also listed next to Ertz's name on the first injury report of the Divisional Round, it's likely that his rib injury won't be serious enough to keep him sidelined this Saturday versus the Detroit Lions, but we'll keep a close eye on his practice status the next two days. As long as the 34-year-old veteran gets back onto the field the next two days, he should be available this weekend on the road in Motor City. Ertz became a much bigger part of the Commanders' offense in the second half of the season, but he was a disappointment in the three-point wild-card win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday night, catching just two passes for 23 yards. In a game in which the Commander will likely have to throw often this Saturday, Ertz is a prime bounce-back candidate for fantasy managers.

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.