Some players have better fantasy value than real-life value. For others, the opposite is true.
Welcome to Week 16 of the 2024 Footballguys Roundtable. Our intrepid panel of fantasy pundits discusses and debates four topics every week. We split the conversation into separate features.
This week's roundtable features these four topics:
- Fantasy vs. Reality II (see below)
- 2025 Free Agent Running Backs
- Most Shocking Fantasy Developments of 2024
- Dynasty Quarterback Value Check
Let's roll.
Fantasy vs. Reality
Matt Waldman: Consider these four pairs of established talents at the main fantasy positions.
- Justin Jefferson - Ja'Marr Chase
- T.J. Hockenson - Sam LaPorta
- Bo Nix - Jayden Daniels
- Breece Hall - Chase Brown
Pick two pairs from the list and tell me which ones from each pair you prefer for fantasy over the next two seasons and which you'd prefer if you ran a real team.
Justin Jefferson vs. Ja'Marr Chase
Joseph Haggan: I'm taking Chase for my fantasy and NFL teams. Jefferson wins with elite route running and magical sticky hands. Chase is another excellent route runner, but he also has tremendous speed and dominates physically.
As good as Jefferson is, he is not as powerful as Chase, who is also tied to Joe Burrow, one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Jefferson is stuck with Sam Darnold, who has exceeded expectations, or J.J. McCarthy, who has not even taken an NFL snap.
Chase's physical dominance and big-play ability give him the edge over Jefferson.
Ryan Weisse: I'll take Chase on my fantasy team and Jefferson on my real team. We probably don't need to make much of a case for Chase in fantasy. He is the best receiver in 2024 and can seemingly score on any play. With over 1400 yards, 15 touchdowns, and three games left to play, his stat line speaks for itself.
However, Jefferson still feels like a better receiver to me. Chase's stats are carried by a defense that can't stop anyone, and the Bengals played every game in a shoot-out. Jefferson is putting up great numbers on a contending team. Plus, Jefferson performed far better with bad quarterback play than Chase when he was without Joe Burrow in his career.
Waldman: I love both players. I'll take Chase in both. He's more athletic and versatile, and Jefferson's equal as a route runner. The scheme is more important than the quality of the quarterback. It's a difficult choice, but Chase has the highest ceiling in any given year.
T.J. Hockenson vs. Sam LaPorta
Corey Spala: I would prefer Sam LaPorta for fantasy and if I ran my own NFL team. LaPorta notably had a disappointing season relative to his draft capital. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has utilized multiple weapons and has generated success for Detroit, notably the ascension of Jameson Williams.
Despite the change in utilization, LaPorta (9.9) averages more fantasy points per game than T.J. Hockenson (9.6). Johnson has been a top candidate for a head coaching position, and it is unknown if he will depart following the 2024 season.
Regardless of the outcome, LaPorta should continue to have fantasy success over Hockenson. Both tight ends can improve their blocking, but LaPorta is a superior athlete who can create after the catch.
Sean Settle: T.J. Hockenson is the player I would prefer to have in a real-life situation. He is a better blocker, does not require specialized packages in an offense to get targets, and has been more consistent over his career.
From a fantasy standpoint, LaPorta has the higher upside. He plays for a team that can score 40 on any defense and likes to get creative in the red zone. LaPorta is having a down season compared to his rookie year but has the higher ceiling of the two tight ends.
Waldman: This year, I have taken LaPorta in both fantasy and real life. Now? I'll take Hockenson in both. Hockenson is one of the few all-around tight ends in the league capable of performing at a high level in every facet of the game. LaPorta offers a higher ceiling, but the impending change with coordinators gives Hockenson the slightest edge due to the continuity of the offensive scheme.