Tight End Matchups to Target in Divisional Round Playoffs - Sam LaPorta, Dallas Goedert, Dalton Schultz

January 17, 2025

Thunder Dan's favorite TE matchups to exploit for the Divisional Round of 2024 - DFS tight ends to target on DraftKings and FanDuel. These TE matchups are GPP and cash game opportunities.

We have some elite tight ends available on this four-game DFS slate this weekend. Travis Kelce will attempt to prove he's still the best at the position, while Sam LaPorta, Dallas Goedert, and Zach Ertz all find themselves in a position to push for the top producer at this position.

Tight ends often go overlooked in DFS lineups, but their ability to exploit mismatches and capitalize on red-zone opportunities can make them the ultimate game-changers.

Let’s dive into the top plays and how they fit into your DFS builds for this week.

Dallas Goedert – PHI vs. LAR ($3,900 DK, $6,100 FD)

Goedert is badly underpriced on DraftKings this week but is the second-most expensive option on FanDuel. He looked great in his return to the lineup in Week 18 and had a big catch and run for a touchdown last week against the Packers in which he just stiff-armed his way to the end zone.

Dallas Goedert BULLY!!! pic.twitter.com/KyKaiAT5dl

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) January 12, 2025

Goedert had four catches for 19 yards against the Rams in the first meeting earlier this year but then missed all of December with an injury. He's a huge target and an underrated weapon in this offense. He should play most of the snaps for this team as he's an excellent blocker in addition to being a solid receiver.

If the Eagles were smart, they'd get Goedert involved early and often. He's a mismatch for most defenders and should see coverages he can beat, especially if the Rams focus on trying to take away A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

Sam LaPorta – DET vs. WAS ($4,200 DK, $6,000 FD)

If you are someone who drafted LaPorta early in season-long drafts, you may still feel some hostility towards him for his incredibly slow start to the season. However, LaPorta finished the season strong and may have carried some of your teams to fantasy championships, too, as the second-year big man from Iowa was very solid down the stretch in his final five games.

LaPorta has earned seven or more targets in five straight games. He has 63 and 64 yards in his last two games, catching six passes against the Niners and seven passes against the Vikings in Week 18.

A lot of focus this week will be on Jahmyr Gibbs, David Montgomery, and the Detroit run game. But the Lions also have the sixth-best passing game in the NFL and have been lights out at home on turf.

LaPorta has elite route participation and functions as the second option in this passing game behind Amon-Ra St. Brown. You could argue he's underpriced on both sites for his involvement and with Detroit carrying a 32-point implied Vegas total, I want to get as much exposure to their offense as possible.

Dalton Schultz – HOU at KC ($3,300 DK, $5,300 FD)

Schultz is my favorite cheap option at the position. He's not had the type of season that these other elite tight ends have had, but Schultz has been reliable when his number has been called and could see even more snaps and targets this week with fellow tight end Cade Stover out of the lineup.

Nice work by Dalton Schultz on the Y-Choice not stopping his momentum so that he can easily snap into the break to beat the LB.

Good example of the difference in matchup quality you get at the Y (primary TE) as opposed to the F (2nd TE, flex). pic.twitter.com/gX0uJsW5jz

— Remember The Tight Ends (@RememberTheTE) January 11, 2025

Kansas City has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season. Schultz had five catches on eight targets (including a touchdown) back on December 21st when these teams first met. Look for him to function as the safety blanket for C.J. Stroud this week as the Texans face a very good Kansas City defense that should be able to get some pressure on Stroud.

Thanks for reading, and good luck with your DFS contests!

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