Fantasy football lineup decisions NFL Week 9: Expectations for LaPorta, Hockenson, Etienne - ESPN

Fantasy football managers overthink just about everything. They often need a calm, measured voice of reason to remind them of what makes sense.

Take a deep breath. It is fantasy football. Make practical decisions on lineups, trades and food for the tailgating party and things will work out. Try to enjoy the ride. You wouldn't believe the things fantasy managers overthink. Well, you're (presumably) a fantasy manager so perhaps you would.

Detroit Lions TE Sam LaPorta, a major statistical underachiever much of this season after leading all tight ends in PPR scoring last season, comes off his biggest game yet, a 16.8-point outing in Week 8. Fantasy managers are excited, because they saw what LaPorta was capable of last season as a rookie. Meanwhile, the player he ostensibly replaced in Detroit, two-time Pro Bowler T.J. Hockenson, is also on the minds of many a fantasy manager this week as he prepares for his season debut. People are excited about this one, too.

We certainly do not aim to suppress excitement, but the league is coming off literally the best week ever for the tight end position, and fantasy managers should not presume LaPorta and Hockenson deliver big fantasy point totals this week. It is dangerous. You've already added the Buccaneers' Cade Otton, Packers' Tucker Kraft and Ravens' Mark Andrews, while the Commanders' Zach Ertz, Bears' Cole Kmet and Patriots' Hunter Henry remain productive and available in many leagues. This position suddenly has depth.

Create or join a fantasy basketball league on ESPN. Your championship run starts today!

Sign up today!

LaPorta remains rostered in more than 94% of ESPN leagues, thanks to his 2023 achievements when he averaged 14.1 points per game, but this season, even after