Sam LaPorta Fantasy outlook, stats and Week 4 start/sit for 2026
- Age
- 25
- Height / weight
- 6'3", 245 lb
- Experience
- 4th season
- Drafted
- 2023 R2, #34
2026 Season
- PPR PPG
- 11.5
- Pos rank
- TE12
- Rostered
- 98%
Week 4 at Panthers, Sun Oct 4, 8:20 PM ET 14th vs. TEs, neutral
Sam LaPorta Fantasy Football Stats & Analysis
Scoring rate
11.5 PPG
Played
3 games
Role
Starter
Trend
Stable
Sam LaPorta's 2026 Season, Week by Week
3 games played: two mid-range starts and one bust. The next four matchups include one of the league's softest pass defenses.
- Week 1, Win,vs NO,9.8,TE17
- Week 2, Loss,at BUF,17.2,TE9
- Week 3, Win,vs NYJ,7.4,TE25
- Up next. Week 4, Oct 4,at CAR,NeutralPanthers vs. TEs
- Week 5, Oct 11,at ARI,FavorableCardinals vs. TEs
- Week 6,Bye,No game
- Week 7, Oct 25,vs GB,NeutralPackers vs. TEs
Matchup rank is PPR points allowed to TEs through Week 4. 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Should You Start or Roster Sam LaPorta?
LaPorta is averaging 11.5 PPR points per game through 3 games, with 14 catches for 144 yards and 1 TD on 19 targets. That ranks TE12, which makes him a weekly starter in 12-team leagues.
His target share (17.6%) is in the 65th percentile among TEs, the best of his efficiency marks; his catch rate (73.7%) is the weakest, in the 41st. His quarterback has been Jared Goff.
His best week was TE9 in Week 2 at the Bills (17.2 points); his worst, TE25 in Week 3 against the Jets (7.4). Two favorable matchups are coming: the Cardinals (6th vs. TEs) in Week 5 and the Dolphins (9th vs. TEs) in Week 9.
For the season-long call, whether to hold, trade or start him, check where LaPorta ranks among all TEs in Redraft Command.
What's Driving His Production
Percentile vs. every TE with at least 8 targets in 2026. The line marks the league median.
Target share
17.6%65th percentile, about average
Yards per target
7.662nd percentile, about average
Catch rate
73.7%41st percentile, about average
Fantasy points per target
1.8143rd percentile, about average
Sam LaPorta 2026 Game Log
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | vs Saints | W 31–30 | 9.8 | TE17 |
| 2 | @ Bills | L 31–41 | 17.2 | TE9 |
| 3 | vs Jets | W 31–24 | 7.4 | TE25 |
| Total | 2–1 | 34.4 | TE12 |
Career Fantasy Stats by Season
| Season | Team | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | DET | 3 | 19 | 14 | 144 | 1 | 34.4 | 11.5 | — |
| 2025 | DET | 9 | 49 | 40 | 489 | 3 | 106.9 | 11.9 | TE27 |
| 2024 | DET | 16 | 83 | 60 | 726 | 7 | 174.6 | 10.9 | TE8 |
| 2023 | DET | 17 | 120 | 86 | 889 | 10 | 239.3 | 14.1 | TE1 |
| Career | 45 | 271 | 200 | 2,248 | 21 | 555.2 | 12.3 |
Rest-of-Season Outlook and Availability
Outlook
When healthy, LaPorta is a locked-in starter. He played a 90.7 percent snap share when active, and Detroit funnels red-zone work his way, shown by 20 red-zone targets and seven scores in 2024. Behind him on the depth chart: Brock Wright. Full outlook
Injury status
Active, no designation
He has not missed a game this season. Career games missed to injury: 8. Injury history
- 2025backPlayed through
- 2025back8 games
- 2023left kneePlayed through
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta Fantasy Football FAQ
Should I start Sam LaPorta in Week 4?
Sam LaPorta is a weekly starter in 12-team leagues for Week 4 at the Panthers, as the TE12 in PPR total points this season (11.5 a game). The Panthers rank 14th in PPR points allowed to TEs, a neutral matchup. Get the start/sit call for LaPorta.
How many fantasy points is Sam LaPorta averaging in 2026?
Sam LaPorta is averaging 11.5 PPR fantasy points per game in 2026, 34.4 points across 3 games. His last game produced 7.4 points.
Where does Sam LaPorta rank in fantasy football in 2026?
Sam LaPorta ranks TE12 in PPR total points in 2026, through 3 games. That makes him a weekly starter in 12-team leagues. View his complete season statistics.
Is Sam LaPorta worth rostering in fantasy football?
Yes, in the right league: Sam LaPorta is a weekly starter in TE-premium, 12-team and 10-team leagues. He is rostered in 98% of Sleeper leagues.
What is Sam LaPorta's fantasy football role?
Sam LaPorta is the Lions' starting TE, with Brock Wright behind him. He is averaging 6.3 targets a game, on 90% of the offensive snaps in 2026.
What are Sam LaPorta's upcoming fantasy football matchups?
Sam LaPorta's next three games are Week 4 at the Panthers (14th in PPR points allowed to TEs, neutral), Week 5 at the Cardinals (6th in PPR points allowed to TEs, favorable) and Week 7 vs. the Packers (22nd in PPR points allowed to TEs, neutral). One of them is favorable by points allowed to the position.
How consistent has Sam LaPorta been in fantasy football this season?
Sam LaPorta has finished as a top-12 TE in 1 of his 3 games this season. His weekly scoring has a standard deviation of 5.1 points around his 11.5-point average.
What is Sam LaPorta's fantasy floor and ceiling?
This season Sam LaPorta's floor has been 7.4 PPR points (Week 3, TE25) and his ceiling 17.2 (Week 2, TE9). His median week has been 9.8 points. See LaPorta's full game log.
Sam LaPorta 2026 Stats
2026 through Week 4 · Detroit LionsTouchdowns account for 17% of his fantasy production, so his weekly output leans on volume more than scoring.
Receiving
- Rec
- 14
- Yards
- 144
- TD
- 1
- Targets
- 19
10.3 Y/R73.7% Catch %
Fantasy (PPR)
- Points
- 34.4
- Pos rank
- TE12
17.2 Best Week 2 @ BUF7.4 Worst Week 3 vs NYJ
Advanced Receiving Stats
LaPorta is an intermediate target (5.7 yards per target last season), with a 17.6% target share this season.
| Stat | 2026 Thru Wk 4 | 2025 9 games | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficiency | ||||
| Yards per target | 7.6 | 68th | 10.0 | 92nd |
| Fantasy points per target | 1.07 | 48th | 1.37 | 79th |
| Yards per route run | — | — | 1.80 | 87th |
| YAC per reception | 5.3 | 55th | 6.8 | 92nd |
| Catch rate | 73.7% | 50th | 81.6% | 94th |
| Usage | ||||
| Target share | 17.6% | 73rd | 9.5% | 38th |
| Snap share | 90.3% | 95th | 90.7% | 96th |
| Air-yards share | 9.4% | 55th | 7.9% | 38th |
| Red-zone targets | 5 | 93rd | 6 | 23rd |
| Route participation | — | — | 47.2% | 38th |
| Style | ||||
| Average depth of target | 3.6 | 8th | 5.7 | 44th |
Percentiles: 2026 through Week 4 among 41 qualified TEs · 2025 (9 games, weeks 1–17) among 53. Grey bars describe style, not quality.
Profile: LaPorta plays most snaps and catches what comes his way.
For fantasy: his floor is his volume, 6.3 targets a game this season; efficiency decides how much of it becomes points.
Fantasy Points per Game, Every Season
11.5
Fantasy PPG
6.3
Targets/g
48
Rec yds/g
Sam LaPorta career stats by season
| Season | GP | Tgt | Rec | Rec yds | Rec TD | Rush yds | FPTS | PPG | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026to date | 3 | 19 | 14 | 144 | 1 | 0 | 34.4 | 11.5 | — |
| 2025 | 9 | 49 | 40 | 489 | 3 | 0 | 106.9 | 11.9 | TE27 |
| 2024 | 16 | 83 | 60 | 726 | 7 | 0 | 174.6 | 10.9 | TE8 |
| 2023 | 17 | 120 | 86 | 889 | 10 | 4 | 239.3 | 14.1 | TE1 |
| Career | 45 | 271 | 200 | 2,248 | 21 | 4 | 555.2 | 12.3 | — |
What His Career Numbers Say
12.3
Career PPG
45 games over 4 seasons
83%
Availability
Share of team games he played
58%
Top-12 weeks
Share of his games as a TE1
6.4
Weekly swing
Standard deviation, moderate
LaPorta has averaged 12.3 fantasy points per game over 45 games and 4 seasons, with two top-12 finishes (2023, 2024).
So far in 2026 he is at 11.5 per game, level with 2025. His volume has held at about 6.3 targets a game, so the output has too. His quarterback this season has been Jared Goff.
Career numbers describe the past; for what he is worth from here, see LaPorta's rest-of-season rank and trade value in Redraft Command.
Career highs
- 889Rec yards2023
- 10Rec TD2023
- 239.3Fantasy pts2023 · TE1
- 2,248Career rec yds2023–2026
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta Stats FAQ
How many fantasy points does Sam LaPorta have in 2026?
Sam LaPorta has 34.4 PPR fantasy points in 2026 through Week 4, 11.5 per game across 3 games. That total ranks TE12 at the position. See how those numbers break down week by week.
How many receiving yards does Sam LaPorta have this season?
Sam LaPorta has 144 receiving yards in 2026 through Week 4, on 14 catches and 19 targets. His high was 52 yards, in Week 2 at the Bills.
How many receptions does Sam LaPorta have this season?
Sam LaPorta has 14 receptions in 2026 through Week 4, 4.7 a game, on 19 targets. His high was 6 catches, in Week 2 at the Bills.
How many targets does Sam LaPorta have this season?
Sam LaPorta has drawn 19 targets in 2026 through Week 4, 6.3 a game, and caught 74% of them. His high was 8 targets, in Week 1 against the Saints.
How many receiving touchdowns does Sam LaPorta have this season?
Sam LaPorta has 1 receiving touchdown in 2026 through Week 4.
How many receiving yards per game is Sam LaPorta averaging?
Sam LaPorta is averaging 48.0 receiving yards per game in 2026, 144 yards across 3 games.
How many yards per reception is Sam LaPorta averaging?
Sam LaPorta is averaging 10.3 yards per reception in 2026, 144 yards on 14 catches.
How many games has Sam LaPorta played in 2026?
Sam LaPorta has played 3 games in the 2026 season through Week 4.
What were Sam LaPorta's stats last season?
In 2025, Sam LaPorta caught 40 of 49 targets for 489 yards and 3 touchdowns in 9 games. That was 106.9 PPR points (11.9 per game), a TE27 finish.
What are Sam LaPorta's career NFL stats?
Across 4 seasons and 45 games, Sam LaPorta has 200 catches for 2,248 yards and 21 touchdowns, for 555.2 PPR fantasy points (12.3 per game).
How many touchdowns does Sam LaPorta have in his career?
Sam LaPorta has 21 touchdowns in his NFL career: 0 rushing and 21 receiving, over 45 games.
How many career receiving yards does Sam LaPorta have?
Sam LaPorta has 2,248 career receiving yards over 4 seasons, on 200 catches.
Sam LaPorta Game Log 2026
Games played
3
FPTS/G (PPR)
11.5
Targets/g
6.3
Rec/g
4.7
Rec yds/g
48.0
Yds/rec
10.3
Across 3 games in 2026, Sam LaPorta has averaged 6.3 targets, 4.7 receptions and 11.5 PPR fantasy points per game. Sam LaPorta has finished as a top-12 TE in 1 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 2. The best week was Week 2 against BUF (17.2 points); the lowest was Week 3 against NYJ (7.4).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NO4th | W 31-30 | 9.8 | 8 | 5 | 48 | 0 | 9.6 | TE17 |
Week 1 · NO · W 31-30 · 9.8 pts
How the 9.8 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 2 | BUF25th | L 31-41 | 17.2 | 7 | 6 | 52 | 1 | 8.7 | TE9 |
Week 2 · BUF · L 31-41 · 17.2 pts
How the 17.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 3 | NYJ23rd | W 31-24 | 7.4 | 4 | 3 | 44 | 0 | 14.7 | TE25 |
Week 3 · NYJ · W 31-24 · 7.4 pts
How the 7.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to TEs across 2026: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
One TE1 week, one TE2 week and one bust. For a tight end ranked TE12 overall, his weeks cluster in a range you can plan around, between TE9 and TE25.
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Held in check by the Jets
3/4, 44 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TE1 week at Buffalo
6/7, 52 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win vs. New Orleans
5/8, 48 yds.
Just 6.0 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Fantasy Points By Week
- Weekly points
- Season average (11.5)
Upcoming Matchups
View matchup — Detroit Lions vs Carolina Panthers
View matchup — Detroit Lions vs Arizona Cardinals
View matchup — Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers
View matchup — Detroit Lions vs Minnesota Vikings
Sam LaPorta Game Log 2024
Games played
16
FPTS/G (PPR)
10.9
Targets/g
5.2
Rec/g
3.8
Rec yds/g
45.4
Yds/rec
12.1
Across 16 games in 2024, Sam LaPorta has averaged 5.2 targets, 3.8 receptions and 10.9 PPR fantasy points per game. Sam LaPorta has finished as a top-12 TE in 9 of those weeks, and inside the top 24 in 13. The best week was Week 17 against SF (18.4 points); the lowest was Week 2 against TB (3.3).
| Wk | Opp | Result | FPTS | TGT | REC | REC YDS | REC TD | YPR | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | LAR2nd | W 26-20 | 8.5 | 5 | 4 | 45 | 0 | 11.3 | TE8 |
Week 1 · LAR · W 26-20 · 8.5 pts
How the 8.5 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 2 | TB6th | L 16-20 | 3.3 | 3 | 2 | 13 | 0 | 6.5 | TE31 |
Week 2 · TB · L 16-20 · 3.3 pts
How the 3.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 3 | ARI27th | W 20-13 | 5.6 | 2 | 2 | 36 | 0 | 18.0 | TE23 |
Week 3 · ARI · W 20-13 · 5.6 pts
How the 5.6 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 4 | SEA19th | W 42-29 | 9.3 | 4 | 4 | 53 | 0 | 13.3 | TE13 |
Week 4 · SEA · W 42-29 · 9.3 pts
How the 9.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 5 | Bye week | ||||||||
| 6 | DAL28th | W 47-9 | 12.2 | 1 | 1 | 52 | 1 | 52.0 | TE9 |
Week 6 · DAL · W 47-9 · 12.2 pts
How the 12.2 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 7 | MIN20th | W 31-29 | 3.5 | 2 | 1 | 25 | 0 | 25.0 | TE37 |
Week 7 · MIN · W 31-29 · 3.5 pts
How the 3.5 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 8 | TEN32nd | W 52-14 | 16.8 | 6 | 6 | 48 | 1 | 8.0 | TE9 |
Week 8 · TEN · W 52-14 · 16.8 pts
How the 16.8 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 9 | GB16th | W 24-14 | 4.8 | 3 | 2 | 28 | 0 | 14.0 | TE30 |
Week 9 · GB · W 24-14 · 4.8 pts
How the 4.8 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 10 | HOU23rd | W 26-23 | 15.6 | 6 | 3 | 66 | 1 | 22.0 | TE4 |
Week 10 · HOU · W 26-23 · 15.6 pts
How the 15.6 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 11 | Did not play | ||||||||
| 12 | IND4th | W 24-6 | 4.9 | 6 | 3 | 19 | 0 | 6.3 | TE23 |
Week 12 · IND · W 24-6 · 4.9 pts
How the 4.9 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 13 | CHI18th | W 23-20 | 15.6 | 6 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 2.0 | TE8 |
Week 13 · CHI · W 23-20 · 15.6 pts
How the 15.6 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 14 | GB16th | W 34-31 | 10.4 | 7 | 5 | 54 | 0 | 10.8 | TE10 |
Week 14 · GB · W 34-31 · 10.4 pts
How the 10.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 15 | BUF13th | L 42-48 | 18.1 | 10 | 7 | 111 | 0 | 15.9 | TE3 |
Week 15 · BUF · L 42-48 · 18.1 pts
How the 18.1 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 16 | CHI18th | W 34-17 | 14.3 | 7 | 4 | 43 | 1 | 10.8 | TE6 |
Week 16 · CHI · W 34-17 · 14.3 pts
How the 14.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 17 | SF25th | W 40-34 | 18.4 | 8 | 6 | 64 | 1 | 10.7 | TE7 |
Week 17 · SF · W 40-34 · 18.4 pts
How the 18.4 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
| 18 | MIN20th | W 31-9 | 13.3 | 7 | 7 | 63 | 0 | 9.0 | TE14 |
Week 18 · MIN · W 31-9 · 13.3 pts
How the 13.3 points scored (PPR)
| |||||||||
Opponent rank is fantasy points allowed to TEs across 2024: 1st allows the most, 32nd the fewest.
Where His Weeks Finished
Nine TE1 weeks, four TE2 weeks and three busts. For a tight end who finished TE9 overall, the spread mattered more than the average: you got a top-5 ceiling and a waiver-wire floor.
Wk 1 TE8 · Wk 2 TE31 · Wk 3 TE23 · Wk 4 TE13 · Wk 6 TE9 · Wk 7 TE37 · Wk 8 TE9 · Wk 9 TE30 · Wk 10 TE4 · Wk 12 TE23 · Wk 13 TE8 · Wk 14 TE10 · Wk 15 TE3 · Wk 16 TE6 · Wk 17 TE7 · Wk 18 TE14
Game-by-Game Breakdown
Steady in a win vs. Minnesota
7/7, 63 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
TE1 week at San Francisco
6/8, 64 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
TE1 week at Chicago
4/7, 43 yds, 1 TD.
Just 6.1 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
TE1 week vs. Buffalo
7/10, 111 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
TE1 week vs. Green Bay
5/7, 54 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed right at his season average.
TE1 week vs. Chicago
3/6, 6 yds, 2 TD.
Just 1.0 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Steady in a win at Indianapolis
3/6, 19 yds.
Just 3.2 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TE1 week at Houston
3/6, 66 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Green Bay
2/3, 28 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TE1 week vs. Tennessee
6/6, 48 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Held in check by Minnesota
1/2, 25 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TE1 week at Dallas
1/1, 52 yds, 1 TD.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well above his season average.
Efficient in a home win
4/4, 53 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Efficient in a road win
2/2, 36 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
Shut down by Tampa Bay
2/3, 13 yds.
Just 4.3 yards per target. A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TE1 week vs. the Rams
4/5, 45 yds.
A clean, mistake-free game that landed well below his season average.
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta Game Log FAQ
How did Sam LaPorta do in his last game?
Sam LaPorta scored 7.4 PPR points in Week 3 against the Jets, a 31–24 win, a TE25 finish. He caught 3 of 4 targets for 44 yards. View his 2026 season totals.
How many fantasy points did Sam LaPorta score in his last game?
Sam LaPorta scored 7.4 PPR fantasy points in his last game, Week 3 against the Jets, a TE25 finish for the week. That was 4.1 below his season average of 11.5.
How many receiving yards did Sam LaPorta have in his last game?
Sam LaPorta had 44 receiving yards on 3 catches in Week 3 against the Jets, from 4 targets.
How many touchdowns did Sam LaPorta score in his last game?
Sam LaPorta did not score a touchdown in Week 3 against the Jets; his 7.4 points came from yardage and catches.
How many receptions did Sam LaPorta have in his last game?
Sam LaPorta caught 3 of 4 targets for 44 yards in Week 3 against the Jets.
What were Sam LaPorta's stats in Week 2?
In Week 2 at the Bills, a 41–31 loss, Sam LaPorta caught 6 of 7 targets for 52 yards and 1 touchdown. That was 17.2 PPR points, a TE9 finish.
What was Sam LaPorta's best game this season?
Sam LaPorta's best 2026 game was Week 2 at the Bills: 17.2 PPR points, a TE9 finish. He caught 6 of 7 targets for 52 yards and 1 touchdown.
What was Sam LaPorta's worst game this season?
Sam LaPorta's lowest-scoring 2026 game was Week 3 against the Jets: 7.4 PPR points, a TE25 finish. He caught 3 of 4 targets for 44 yards.
How many games has Sam LaPorta scored a touchdown in this season?
Sam LaPorta has scored a touchdown in 1 of his 3 games this season, most recently in Week 2.
Can I see Sam LaPorta's game logs from previous seasons?
Yes. The season selector above the game log switches it to LaPorta's weekly results from any season from 2023 through 2025.
Sam LaPorta Rest-of-Season Outlook
Efficient TE1 every week
Preseason Projection vs. Reality
He finished TE27 last season at 11.9 points per game.
Our Take After Week 4
Through 3 games he's TE12 at 11.5 PPR points per game, against 11.9 over 9 games last season (TE27). The role is producing the same fantasy output two years running.
Last season he ranked 32nd of 81 in route participation (43.8%), 33rd of 82 in target share (8.9%) and 7th of 82 in efficiency (1.80 yards per route run). His points come from his efficiency. Target share is the soft spot. Jared Goff is his quarterback.
The job is secure: he's the listed starter and one of the best at his position. The main risk is health, and Brock Wright is next on the depth chart if he misses time.
The next favorable matchup is the Cardinals in Week 5 (6th against TEs).
Read our preseason outlook (June 2026)
Published June 17, 2026. Kept for reference; the take above replaces it.
LaPorta's 2025 was a tale of missed time: nine games, a TE23 finish, and just 66.9 fantasy points after he ranked TE6 (114.6) in 2024 and TE5 (153.3) as a rookie. The volume cratered with the absence, his target share sliding to 8.9 percent and WOPR to 0.186 from 15.9 percent and 0.355 the year prior. The efficiency, though, was loud: a position-best 0.743 EPA per play, a 67.3 percent success rate, 81.6 percent catch rate, and zero drops on 40 catches.
When healthy, LaPorta is a locked-in starter. He played a 90.7 percent snap share when active, and Detroit funnels red-zone work his way, shown by 20 red-zone targets and seven scores in 2024. The 12.22 yards per reception and 6.85 yards after the catch confirm the playmaking remains. At 24 with three years of TE5-or-better-rate production, the only real risk is health. Draft him as a weekly TE1 with top-five upside the moment he is back to a full slate.
What Drives His Outlook
His 2025 rank among the 81 tight ends who played at least six games. Each bar is one tight end, best on the left; his is highlighted.
Route participation
Target share
Efficiency
- Average depth of target
- 5.7
- Drop rate
- 0.0%
- Red-zone targets
- 6
- Route participation
- 43.8%
- YAC per reception
- 6.8
What Could Change His Value
Upside
- A soft spotThe Cardinals in Week 5 is a top-10 matchup for TEs.Wk 4 CAR, 14thWk 5 ARI, 6thWk 7 GB, 22ndWk 8 MIN, 25th
- Strong efficiency1.80 yards per route run, 7th of 82 TEs in 2025.
Risk
- HealthHis role is secure; if he misses time, Brock Wright is next on the depth chart.
- A tough matchupThe Vikings in Week 8 (25th) is among the stingiest defenses against TEs.
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta Fantasy Outlook FAQ
What is Sam LaPorta's fantasy outlook for the rest of the 2026 season?
Sam LaPorta projects as an efficient TE1 every week for the rest of the 2026 season: a weekly starter in TE-premium, 12-team and 10-team leagues. His efficiency (1.80 yards per route run, 7th of 82 TEs in 2025) supports that. His target share (8.9% target share, 33rd of 82 TEs in 2025) holds him back. See his live rank in Redraft Command.
What is Sam LaPorta's rest-of-season fantasy ranking?
Sam LaPorta is the TE12 in PPR points per game through Week 4. That puts him in TE1 territory, a weekly starter in 12-team leagues.
What is Sam LaPorta's projected role going forward?
Sam LaPorta is the listed starting TE, with Brock Wright next on the depth chart. Nothing on the chart threatens the job, so the role is his to lose on performance.
Will Sam LaPorta get more targets?
Sam LaPorta's targets are holding steady: 5.5 a game over his last two games against 6.3 for the season. His share of the offense is what his fantasy value rides on.
What is Sam LaPorta's fantasy football upside?
Sam LaPorta's upside: his ceiling this season is 17.2 PPR points (Week 2, TE9), his efficiency (1.80 yards per route run, 7th of 82 TEs in 2025) gives him a weekly floor to build on and the Cardinals in Week 5 is a top-10 matchup for TEs.
What could hurt Sam LaPorta's fantasy value?
Sam LaPorta's risks: Brock Wright is next on the depth chart if he is benched or hurt, his target share (8.9% target share, 33rd of 82 TEs in 2025) limits his scoring and the Vikings in Week 8 is a tough matchup. See his injury status and history.
How difficult is Sam LaPorta's remaining fantasy schedule?
About average: of his next seven games, 2 come against a top-10 matchup for TEs and 2 against one of the stingiest defenses, by PPR points allowed to the position.
Sam LaPorta Injury Update & History
Practice participation
Final report: Friday, Oct 2LaPorta hasn't appeared on an injury report this season.
Injury History at a Glance
Two logged injuries in four seasons. Most of his lost time came from a herniated disc injury in 2025; nothing else has cost him a game.
Durability
69/100
Games missed
Injuries
Longest absence
Herniated disc injury · 2025
Where He's Been Hurt
Marker size shows games missed. A dashed ring means he played through it.
| Body part | Injuries | Games missed |
|---|---|---|
| Back | 1 | 8 |
| Knee | 1 | 0 |
| Total | 2 | 8 |
Injury risk profile: Moderate
- No body part injured twice
- Herniated disc in 2025, 8 games missed
- 8 games in 4 seasons
- 2 injuries spread across 2 body parts
Sam LaPorta Injury History
Every logged injury, most recent first. Games missed are regular-season games.
- 2026
Healthy 0 games missed
No injury has cost LaPorta a game this season.
- 2025
Herniated Disc, surgery 8 games
Suffered a herniated disc against Washington in Week 10 that ultimately required season-ending surgery. Questionable: Surgery
- 2023
Hyperextended Knee / Bone Bruise · Left Played through
Suffered a hyperextended left knee and a bone bruise in the regular-season finale against the Vikings.
If LaPorta Misses Time
Next man up: Brock Wright
Brock Wright is next on the Lions depth chart at tight end. Tight end targets would mostly move to the receivers, so he's a streaming option at best if LaPorta misses time.
Who else it affects
His absence would move work to the rest of the offense, and Jared Goff would lose one of his main options.
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta Injury FAQ
Is Sam LaPorta injured?
No. As of October 2, 2026, Sam LaPorta is active with no injury designation. He has played every game in 2026.
Is Sam LaPorta playing this week?
Sam LaPorta has no injury designation for Week 4 at the Panthers on Sunday, October 4, so he is on track to play. Should you start him?
Has Sam LaPorta missed any games this season?
No. Sam LaPorta has played in every Lions game in 2026, 3 games so far.
What is Sam LaPorta's injury history?
Sam LaPorta has 2 logged NFL injuries, which have cost him 8 games in all: 8 for a herniated disc injury in 2025. No body part has been injured twice.
What was Sam LaPorta's most recent injury?
Sam LaPorta's most recent logged injury was a herniated disc injury in Week 10 of 2025. It cost him 8 games.
Does Sam LaPorta have any recurring injuries?
No. Sam LaPorta's two logged injuries were to two different body parts, so the record shows no recurring pattern.
What was Sam LaPorta's worst injury?
Sam LaPorta's longest absence came from a herniated disc injury in 2025, which cost him 8 games, all of the games he has missed to injury.
Latest Sam LaPorta News & Updates
LaPorta struggles vs. New York
3 REC, 44 YDS (4 TGT)
7.4 fantasy points · TE25
LaPorta caught 3 of 4 targets for 44 yards in the 31–24 win vs. New York. That was 13% of the team's targets.
Season Timeline
Every update this season, grouped by week, newest first.
Week 3Sep 27W 31–24 vs NYJ
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Scores first TD of '26 in loss (opens in new tab)
Found the end zone for his first touchdown of 2026 in a losing effort.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 3: 7.4 PPR points, a TE25 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Week 2Sep 17L 31–41 @ BUF
Fantasy impact: Positive. LaPorta delivers TE1 week at Buffalo
17.2 fantasy points · TE9 · 5.7 above his 11.5 average
LaPorta caught 6 of 7 targets for 52 yards and one touchdown in the 41–31 loss at Buffalo. That was 18% of the team's targets.
Game logWeek 1Sep 13W 31–30 vs NO
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Five grabs in OT win over NO (opens in new tab)
Caught five passes in overtime win over New Orleans.
Fantasy take: He played in Week 1: 9.8 PPR points, a TE17 finish.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. LaPorta quiet in win vs. New Orleans
9.8 fantasy points · TE17 · 1.7 below his 11.5 average
LaPorta caught 5 of 8 targets for 48 yards in the 31–30 win vs. New Orleans. That was 21% of the team's targets.
Game logPreseasonSeptember
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Not listed on injury report (opens in new tab)
Fully healthy and ready to roll as a key target in the passing game.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Practicing Tuesday (opens in new tab)
Back at practice Tuesday, trending toward availability.
Fantasy take: Practice and camp notes are context; his usage in games is what moves his value.
Read full report (opens in new tab)Fantasy impact: Neutral. Dealing with hip injury, per coach (opens in new tab)
Hip injury could limit his availability moving forward.
Fantasy take: A preseason health note; his Week 1 availability is what matters for fantasy.
Read full report (opens in new tab)OffseasonJune
Fantasy impact: Neutral. Trending in right direction (opens in new tab)
Progressing positively and could be nearing a return.
Fantasy take: Context for his season; the Outlook tab has our rest-of-season view.
Read full report (opens in new tab)
No updates of this type yet this season.
Lions Teammates News
Updates on LaPorta's quarterback and target competition.
- Jared Goff: Racks up production in high-scoring loss (opens in new tab)Jared Goff, QB. 109 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: Stellar numbers in Week 2 loss (opens in new tab)Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR. 35 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Jahmyr Gibbs: Eclipses 100 total yards in loss (opens in new tab)Jahmyr Gibbs, RB. 21 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Jared Goff: Does just enough in OT win during opener (opens in new tab)Jared Goff, QB. 109 pass attempts this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: Contract restructured by Detroit (opens in new tab)Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR. 35 targets this season. Via Dynasty CommandNeutral
Around the Lions
TEs like Sam LaPorta
Sam LaPorta News FAQ
What is the latest news on Sam LaPorta?
The latest LaPorta update, from September 27: LaPorta struggles vs. New York. LaPorta caught 3 of 4 targets for 44 yards in the 31–24 win vs. New York. That was 13% of the team's targets.
How does the latest Sam LaPorta news affect his fantasy value?
Negatively: he scored 7.4 fantasy points, a TE25 finish, 4.1 below his 11.5 average. See the updated fantasy outlook.
Sam LaPorta Bio
Sam LaPorta is a tight end for the Detroit Lions, where he wears No. 87. Born January 12, 2001, in Highland, IL, he attended Highland and played college football at Iowa.
The Detroit Lions selected LaPorta in round 2, pick 34, of the 2023 NFL Draft.
In 45 regular-season games since 2023, he has caught 200 passes for 2,248 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Career Timeline
1 stop with 1 team in 4 seasons. Each block's width is the time he spent there.
What happened at each stop
Detroit Lions Current team2023–present
Selected in round 2, pick 34, of the 2023 NFL Draft. He was a starter, playing at least half the offensive snaps in 44 of 45 games.
College: Iowa
Transactions
- Placed on IRPlaced on injured reserve by the Detroit Lions.
- SignedSigned with the Detroit Lions.
- DraftedSelected by the Detroit Lions in round 2, pick 34.
TEs like Sam LaPorta
About Sam LaPorta: Bio FAQ
How old is Sam LaPorta?
Sam LaPorta is 25 years old. He was born on January 12, 2001. 2026 is his 4th NFL season.
How tall is Sam LaPorta?
Sam LaPorta is 6 feet 3 inches tall (6'3"), listed at 245 pounds, and plays tight end for the Detroit Lions.
How much does Sam LaPorta weigh?
Sam LaPorta weighs 245 pounds, his listed weight on the Detroit Lions roster. He is listed at 6'3".
What number does Sam LaPorta wear?
Sam LaPorta wears number 87 for the Detroit Lions. He plays tight end.
What position does Sam LaPorta play?
Sam LaPorta plays tight end for the Detroit Lions, wearing number 87. 2026 is his 4th season in the NFL.
What team does Sam LaPorta play for?
Sam LaPorta plays for the Detroit Lions as a tight end. He has been with the Lions since 2023.
Where did Sam LaPorta go to college?
Sam LaPorta played college football at Iowa, after attending Highland (IL). The Detroit Lions drafted him out of Iowa in 2023.
When was Sam LaPorta drafted?
The Detroit Lions selected Sam LaPorta in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 34th overall pick, out of Iowa.
What round was Sam LaPorta drafted in?
Sam LaPorta was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, taken 34th overall by the Detroit Lions.
What pick was Sam LaPorta in the NFL Draft?
Sam LaPorta was the 34th overall pick of the 2023 NFL Draft, selected by the Detroit Lions in the second round.
Where is Sam LaPorta from?
Sam LaPorta went to high school in Illinois, at Highland, before playing college football at Iowa.
When is Sam LaPorta's birthday?
Sam LaPorta's birthday is January 12. He was born on January 12, 2001 and is 25 years old.
How long has Sam LaPorta been in the NFL?
2026 is Sam LaPorta's 4th NFL season; he entered the league in 2023 as a second-round pick of the Detroit Lions. View his career statistics.
What teams has Sam LaPorta played for?
Sam LaPorta has played for the Detroit Lions. View his career statistics.
What year did Sam LaPorta enter the NFL?
Sam LaPorta entered the NFL in 2023, when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round. 2026 is his 4th season.