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FantasyPros Articles fantasy football takes on Sam LaPorta
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from FantasyPros Articles about Sam LaPorta.
74
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24
Positive
12
Negative
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All FantasyPros Articles insights about Sam LaPorta
NegativeValueSep 15, 2026
Trade value of 15.2 with no week-over-week change; ranked 6th among TEs in the Week 2 trade value chart with TEP value of 18.2.PositiveProjectionSep 13, 2026
Ranked 4th among tight ends in Week 1 expert consensus rankings with perfect consensus (best rank 4, worst rank 5, average rank 4, standard deviation 0), indicating unanimous expert agreement for starting in Week 1.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
LaPorta returns healthy after missing eight games last season. He is one of Detroit's main pass-catchers and will be part of a Lions offense expected to put up big points, having averaged just over 28 points per game last season.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
LaPorta's injury last season inflated Kyle Pitts' TE2 finish in total fantasy points, as Pitts benefited from reduced tight end competition.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Ranked 7th among tight ends with notable consensus variance (best rank 5, worst rank 11, average 7, standard deviation 2), indicating meaningful expert disagreement on his tier placement.NegativeValueSep 8, 2026
LaPorta holds a trade value of 15.2 with a TEP value of 18.2, placing him at the same trade value tier as Tucker Kraft in Week 1 markets.NegativeInjurySep 8, 2026
LaPorta was the TE7 in fantasy points per game before his 2025 season was cut short by a back injury. The back has healed well over the offseason, but he is already dealing with a hip injury sustained in camp, calling his early-season effectiveness into question. Despite the injury-shortened 2025 season, LaPorta ranked tenth in target share (17.8%), sixth in receiving yards per game (54.3), fifth in yards per route run (2.14), and eighth in first downs per route run (0.100) among 59 qualifying tight ends. New Orleans allowed the ninth-fewest yards per target and third-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to tight ends in Weeks 12-18, but LaPorta's hip injury creates uncertainty for Week 1.NegativeInjurySep 8, 2026
LaPorta has been managing an aggravated hip issue that surfaced during training camp. Hips can be particularly tricky for tight ends given the torque required for blocking and route running, leaving his status in question for a stretch. However, LaPorta has returned to practice and is trending toward playing against the New Orleans Saints. Even if active, fantasy managers should brace for the possibility of a managed snap count. If you have a reliable alternative with a high floor, playing it safe and benching the Lions tight end is a defensible strategy until we see how heavily he's utilized.NegativeValueSep 8, 2026
Sam LaPorta is used as a dynasty value comparison point by Jim Moorman. Moorman notes that Oronde Gadsden II's dynasty value skyrocketed into a range similar to LaPorta's after Gadsden's strong rookie performance with four straight weeks of five or more receptions and 60+ yards.NegativeValueSep 7, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 in 2026 draft rankings with an ADP of 130 but shows a -11 ADP differential, indicating he is being drafted earlier than consensus rank suggests.NegativeInjurySep 6, 2026
Sam LaPorta has been a consistent contributor in his first three NFL seasons: 2023 (16 games): 86 receptions, 889 yards, 10 touchdowns (52.3 yards per game); 2024 (16 games): 60 receptions, 726 yards, 7 touchdowns (45.4 yards per game); 2025 (9 games): 40 receptions, 489 yards, 4 touchdowns (54.3 yards per game). A back injury limited him to nine games last season, but he's been cleared to return to camp from that injury.NegativeValueSep 5, 2026
Sam LaPorta is positioned as a midrange tight end option in 2026. The source notes that tight end has become a buyer's market with appealing options available throughout the draft, and LaPorta represents a middle-tier target between elite options like Brock Bowers and late-round fliers.PositiveInjurySep 5, 2026
Sam LaPorta has been practicing for a couple of weeks after recovering from a hip injury. He was working back up to full speed, which means he should play in Week 1, but whether he gets a full complement of snaps remains to be seen.PositiveValueSep 5, 2026
JJ Zachariason prefers Sam LaPorta over Harold Fannin Jr. at tight end, citing LaPorta as a better value being taken after Fannin despite Fannin's TE6 ranking.NegativeValueSep 5, 2026
Sam LaPorta ranked TE6 by FantasyPros' consensus of most accurate experts; ADP consensus 62, with expert rankings ranging 62–93 and consensus projection 77 points.NegativeProjectionSep 4, 2026
Ranked TE7 in superflex draft rankings with ADP of 78 and consensus rank of 141.PositiveValueSep 3, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 with an ADP of 85, trending up 3 spots in recent movement, indicating improving draft market perception.NegativeValueSep 1, 2026
Experts rank LaPorta 10 spots ahead of his ADP (ECR 81 vs. ADP 91), indicating they are willing to reach for the Lions tight end earlier than the market average; however, the source provides no specific analysis of his role, situation, or why experts favor him.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
LaPorta has been a consistent contributor since his NFL debut, averaging 52.3 yards per game in 2023 and 54.3 yards per game in 2025 despite missing games due to back injury. He was on pace for another stellar season before the injury; now cleared to return to camp, he represents a bounce-back candidate with a track record of elite production when healthy.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
Sam LaPorta has been a consistent contributor since his NFL debut three seasons ago. His season-by-season stats: 2023 (16 games): 86 receptions, 889 yards, 10 touchdowns (52.3 yards per game); 2024 (16 games): 60 receptions, 726 yards, 7 touchdowns (45.4 yards per game); 2025 (9 games): 40 receptions, 489 yards, 4 touchdowns (54.3 yards per game). If not for a back injury, LaPorta was on his way to another stellar season. He's been cleared to return to camp from that injury.NegativeValueAug 31, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 with an ADP of 84 and a -12 variance, indicating the market is pricing him higher than his projected ranking; this significant negative variance suggests he is overvalued relative to his tier.NegativeProjectionAug 28, 2026
Ranked TE7 in superflex fantasy football draft rankings for 2026.NegativeProjectionAug 27, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 in the source's draft rankings with an ADP of 130 and a tier assignment of 5.NegativeProjectionAug 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 in superflex fantasy football draft rankings with a tier placement of 6.NegativeInjuryAug 24, 2026
LaPorta has been a consistent contributor over three NFL seasons: 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 TDs in 2023 (52.3 yards per game), 60 receptions for 726 yards and 7 TDs in 2024 (45.4 yards per game), and 40 receptions for 489 yards and 4 TDs in 9 games in 2025 (54.3 yards per game). A back injury limited him last season, but he's been cleared to return to camp. He will compete for second in target share when on the field with Jameson Williams.NegativeValueAug 24, 2026
Sam LaPorta is ranked TE7 with an ADP of 79 and shows a -9 movement indicator, indicating significant downward ADP pressure; ranked 56th overall with 122 projected touches and 81.6 projected fantasy points.NegativeRoleAug 23, 2026
LaPorta is mentioned as a potential factor that could cap Amon-Ra St. Brown's ceiling if he becomes healthier in the Lions offense; his increased availability would compete for targets with St. Brown.PositiveProjectionAug 22, 2026
Sam LaPorta has been dealing with serious injuries but has been 'terrific' in camp per Lions beat writer Tim Twentyman; from Weeks 1-10, he was second on the Lions in target share at 18.6%, catching 40 passes for 489 yards and three scores; he's a strong TE-Premium target.PositiveValueAug 22, 2026
The source prefers Sam LaPorta (TE8) nearly two rounds later than Harold Fannin Jr. (ADP 65.33, TE5), arguing LaPorta offers better value than Fannin at the same draft cost.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
Ranked TE7 in FantasyPros' most accurate expert consensus rankings with an ADP of 57 and average draft position of 89.NegativeInjuryAug 21, 2026
LaPorta had his season cut short due to injury, which shapes his mid-tier tight end context and availability heading into 2026 drafts.NegativeValueAug 21, 2026
Sam LaPorta (DET TE7) shows a +1 ADP rise but a -8 value differential, suggesting the market is overvaluing the Lions tight end relative to his ranking.NegativeValueAug 20, 2026
Ranked TE6 overall with an ADP of 78 in the 5th round tier; projects 104 points with 9.6 points per game, down 8 spots from prior ADP.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
LaPorta was cleared for football activities after back surgery and has a legitimate chance to re-establish himself as a top-five fantasy tight end. Over his last 17 regular-season games, he totaled 81 receptions for 900+ yards and eight touchdowns, demonstrating that production is there when healthy.PositiveProjectionAug 15, 2026
Richard Janvrin selected Sam LaPorta in Round 9, liking him because if he comes back strong and gets a target share anywhere near the 18.6% he had from Weeks 1-10 before he was injured, he is a massive steal. Not only would he have FLEX upside on this roster, but he would also be a nice trade chip toward upgrading the running back room.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
LaPorta's health status could slightly impact Amon-Ra St. Brown's ceiling, though St. Brown's floor remains high due to his consistent target volume and touchdown production with the Lions.NegativeProjectionAug 15, 2026
Ranked TE6 in expert consensus draft rankings with an average ADP of 62 and consensus rank of 74; projects 9.2 points per game with a -3 spot variance from consensus.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Sam LaPorta's injury history has benefited Amon-Ra St. Brown's target share. LaPorta missed time due to injury, which helped inflate St. Brown's receiving volume and production. If LaPorta returns to full health, St. Brown's target share could decline.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Sam LaPorta's absence from Weeks 11-18 coincided with a significant increase in Jahmyr Gibbs' passing game usage, with Gibbs' target share rising from 12.7% in Weeks 1-10 to 19% in Weeks 11-18.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
LaPorta is a hit-or-miss player who competes with Jameson Williams for targets; he averaged 5.4 targets and 11.9 PPR fantasy points per game when healthy last year, but his role is limited by Williams' presence.NegativeRoleAug 11, 2026
Sam LaPorta is mentioned as a potential factor that could slightly cap Amon-Ra St. Brown's ceiling if LaPorta is healthier, as both compete for targets on the Lions offense.PositiveProjectionAug 9, 2026
LaPorta missed eight games last season with a back injury but finished as the TE7 on a points-per-game basis, averaging 11.9 PPR fantasy points per contest despite totaling a career-low three receiving touchdowns. Reportedly, LaPorta is healthy and in line for a significant role in Drew Petzing's offense. Fanelli notes that the tight end premium scoring makes playing a tight end in the flex spot appealing and considers LaPorta one of his favorite players to draft.PositiveValueAug 9, 2026
Listed as a compelling midrange TE option in 2026 drafts; the source positions LaPorta as an appealing draft target at a moderate price point, part of a buyer's market with multiple TE options at various price points.NegativeProjectionAug 8, 2026
Ranked TE7 in expert consensus draft rankings with ADP of 59 and consensus rank of 93; consensus projection of 79.1 fantasy points with 9.5-point standard deviation and -3 movement from prior consensus.NegativeProjectionAug 7, 2026
Ranked TE7 in superflex format with ADP 77 and consensus rank 120; projected 101.2 fantasy points with 8.1-point standard deviation.NegativeProjectionAug 6, 2026
Ranked TE7 in FantasyPros draft rankings with 56 projected touches, 105 projected yards, 81.7% efficiency, and 8.9 projected points; ranked 82nd overall with -6 ADP variance.NegativeProjectionAug 4, 2026
Sam LaPorta ranked TE7 in superflex draft rankings with ADP 77 and consensus rank 116.PositiveProjectionAug 3, 2026
LaPorta ranked fifth among tight ends with 120 targets as a rookie but has only 132 targets over the past two seasons, with injuries and the emergence of Jameson Williams limiting his target upside. However, with Drew Petzing now as Detroit's offensive coordinator, that will likely change in 2026. Petzing's coaching tendencies favor the tight end position, as evidenced by his work building an offense around Trey McBride in Arizona, where the Cardinals ranked in the top three in tight end targets all three years Petzing was the team's offensive coordinator.PositiveProjectionAug 3, 2026
Justin Weigal projects Sam LaPorta as a potential TE1 overall contender this season, arguing he should be drafted 1–2 rounds ahead of current ADP. LaPorta's offensive coordinator facilitated the best tight-end season ever statistically last year and led the league in pass attempts; LaPorta was on a TE7 pace last year and is only a few years removed from a TE1 overall finish. The Lions' defense has lost key pieces and is starting the year injured (projected 30th-ranked defense), which should shift the team away from running and toward more passing; losing Montgomery further supports a pass-heavy approach. With the Lions potentially setting passing records, LaPorta competing for TE1 overall is not ridiculous.NegativeProjectionAug 3, 2026
Ranked TE7 with 105 projected yards and 8.8 PPG; ADP movement of -3 indicates slight declining draft market interest.PositiveRoleAug 1, 2026
LaPorta's absence in Weeks 11-18 of 2025 increased Jahmyr Gibbs' passing game usage significantly, with Gibbs' target share jumping from 12.7% to 19%, receiving yards per game from 25.2 to 48.6, and first-read share from 11.1% to 19.6%.NegativeValueAug 1, 2026
Ranked TE7 in FantasyPros consensus with ADP of 65 and consensus rank of 79.5; shows 7.4-point variance and -1 point differential, indicating near-consensus agreement on his draft positioning.NegativeValueAug 1, 2026
Ranked TE7 in FantasyPros consensus rankings; ADP 65 with range 65-86, consensus rank 79.5, average difference -1 indicating near-perfect market alignment with expert consensus.NegativeProjectionJul 31, 2026
Ranked TE8 in superflex draft rankings with an ADP of 81 and a projected value of 120.NegativeValueJul 30, 2026
Sam LaPorta ranked TE8 in FantasyPros draft rankings with an ADP of 60 and 105 total points projected.NegativeProjectionJul 28, 2026
LaPorta paced tight ends in touchdown receptions in 2023 with 11 and was the TE1 in half-PPR total points that season. The source uses LaPorta as a case study for the touchdown-chasing strategy: tight ends who lead in receiving touchdowns often finish in the top five at the position.NegativeInjuryJul 28, 2026
Sam LaPorta missed the final eight games of the season with a back injury, which provides context for Jameson Williams' volatility; despite LaPorta's absence, Williams still managed to go catchless in Week 12, underscoring the receiver's inconsistency.NegativeInjuryJul 28, 2026
LaPorta dealt with serious back issues last season but saw plenty of looks when on the field; from Week 1 to Week 10, he had an 18.6% target share, which was even higher than Jameson Williams' target share. Health is a question, but as a backup tight end in the FLEX spot, he's worth the risk.NegativeProjectionJul 28, 2026
Ranked TE8 in 2026 superflex fantasy football draft rankings with an ADP of 81 and a tier placement of 7.PositiveBustJul 27, 2026
LaPorta has dealt with injuries in the last two seasons, making him a pass at ADP 81 (TE8); his rookie year breakout feels distant, and while new coordinator Drew Petzing likes involving tight ends, the source prefers paying up for Brock Bowers or Colston Loveland, or waiting and taking Tucker Kraft instead.NegativeProjectionJul 27, 2026
Ranked TE8 in 2026 draft rankings with 65 ADP, 109 projected yards, and 8.1 projected touchdowns; ranked 9 spots lower than previous ranking.PositiveBreakoutJul 25, 2026
LaPorta is expected to have a breakout year in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. LaPorta missed the final eight weeks of 2025 with a back injury, during which Jameson Williams saw increased volume (7.4 targets, 15.2 PPR per game). When healthy in the first 10 weeks, LaPorta averaged 5.4 targets and 11.9 PPR per game. The expectation is that Petzing's scheme will unlock LaPorta's potential, which would reduce Williams' target share and make Williams a bust at his WR25 ADP.NegativeRoleJul 25, 2026
The source notes that Sam LaPorta's health could slightly cap Amon-Ra St. Brown's ceiling in the Lions offense, suggesting LaPorta is a competing target for volume in Detroit.PositiveValueJul 25, 2026
LaPorta is currently the TE8, 84th overall, a range one the source would easily take him from over two tight ends ranked just ahead of him. He's been fully cleared from a herniated disc heading into camp and isn't expected to miss any time, news that should push his price up over the coming weeks. The philosophy mirrors the quarterback section: hunting for a tight end capable of a true TE1-overall outcome at the cheapest possible cost, and LaPorta may be the lowest-cost tight end with that kind of range. The supporting case is strong: the team has the league's easiest remaining strength of schedule according to one betting model; the new offensive coordinator's previous tight end saw 147 and 169 targets across his two seasons in that system; LaPorta himself has 20 touchdowns across his first 42 regular-season games and multiple 90+-yard games last year even with missed time, ranking top six in the league in several efficiency categories. His team scores 31.4 points per game with him on the field for his career compared to 24.8 without him, a massive split. A healthy Tucker Kraft is still viewed as a step above LaPorta by one the source, but if Kraft's own recovery hits any real bump, LaPorta becomes the preferred target.NegativeProjectionJul 25, 2026
Sam LaPorta ranked TE7 in FantasyPros' most accurate expert consensus with an average draft position of 76 and consensus rank of 86, positioning him as a mid-tier tight end option.PositiveProjectionJul 24, 2026
Drafted 13.01 as tight end; poised to have bounce-back year after back surgery. When healthy, is a top-five tight end. LaPorta finished with 81 catches, 900+ yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games before getting hurt. Drafter feels LaPorta is going to have a big year in 2026.NegativeRoleJul 24, 2026
One the source views Sam LaPorta as realistically the third read in his own offense behind two established teammates, even accounting for a new offensive coordinator with a track record of heavily targeting tight ends and a schedule that could open up more overall passing volume for his quarterback; he's her mess-up point right below Kyle Pitts at TE7 or TE8.NegativeProjectionJul 24, 2026
Ranked TE8 in superflex format with ADP 85 and consensus rank 122; consensus average draft position spread of 103.1 with 7.2 standard deviation suggests tight agreement on valuation.PositiveValueJul 23, 2026
Sam LaPorta, if healthy, will be excellent for a position that fantasy managers are always searching for answers with. In 9 games last year before being lost for the year, LaPorta caught 40 passes and three touchdowns in a high-powered Detroit offense. During that stretch, only Amon-Ra St. Brown saw more targets in the Detroit offense than LaPorta. Projections of 70-75 catches are well within the range of outcomes, and LaPorta should be worthy of consideration in the middle of drafts. He could become a massive steal if his price comes close to the start of the double-digit rounds, largely due to health concerns.PositiveInjuryJul 22, 2026
LaPorta dealt with back and herniated disc issues, last playing in Week 10. Head coach Dan Campbell recently indicated positive direction in his recovery. From Weeks 1-10 (including Week 8 bye), LaPorta was TE8 in PPR leagues, averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game with 40 receptions for 489 yards and three touchdowns. He posted an 18.6% target share, second on the team behind Amon-Ra St. Brown's 31.2%. If cleared to play, a fully healthy LaPorta should finish as a fantasy TE1.NegativeRoleJul 22, 2026
The source notes that Sam LaPorta's health could slightly cap Amon-Ra St. Brown's ceiling at 1.07, suggesting a healthier LaPorta may see increased target share in the Lions offense.PositiveValueJul 22, 2026
LaPorta was the counter-pick in round seven, a name being drafted at a discount after a frustrating, injury-interrupted season. Once he got fully healthy, a several-week stretch last season showed him as the clear number two target earner on his team, trailing only the top wide receiver in target share and finishing ahead of every other pass catcher on the roster, including a young receiver whose emergence seemed to come partly at LaPorta's expense. Extrapolating that healthy usage rate over a full season projects to roughly 80 catches, 1,000 yards, and 10 touchdowns, and even 90% of that pace would restore him to true top-three tight end form. He's currently going in round seven despite that path.NegativeProjectionJul 21, 2026
Ranked TE8 in superflex draft rankings with ADP of 85 and projected scoring of 122 points; positioned in tier 7.PositiveValueNo date
Sam LaPorta ranks TE7/TE8 on the dynasty chart, essentially tied with Kyle Pitts. Despite Pitts being the stated preference in a direct choice, landing LaPorta as the last name in the true top-eight tight end tier was considered a win. LaPorta already has an elite season on his resume, plays in a strong offense with a good quarterback, and is still just 25 years old, giving him both a higher floor and a longer runway than the names just behind him like Kincaid at TE9.