Guest of the League
USFFL Est. 2015
FFL: Preseason | NFL: Week 1
Sam LaPorta

TE DET

College: Iowa | Rookie
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 245 lbs
Birth Date: 2001-01-12
2024 Bye Week: 5

Total Pts: 239.3
Avg Pts: 14.08
Rank: 1 TE

KY Gazelle
Montello Swamp Donkey's

2024 RTSports Outlook

LaPorta has a monster rookie season. He not only was the best rookie tight end but the top overall scoring fantasy tight end, finishing ahead of Travis Kelce, George Kittle and Evan Engram. LaPorta has 86 receptions for 889 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was targeted 120 times. LaPorta had double-digit fantasy points 10 of 17 games, including three games with 20-plus points. He had double-digit targets four times. He is going to be a top target in the Lions offense for years to come. LaPorta catches the ball well and is a volume tight end, racking up the catches on a weekly basis. He is a good route runner and willing blocker. He also will make plays after the catch, breaking nine tackles last year. LaPorta did drop five passes last year, so there is room for improvement.

FANTASY OUTLOOK: LaPorta should challenge for the No. 1 overall tight end spot once again. He is going to get a ton of targets in this offense. It would not surprise if he pushes for 100 receptions. He can get around 1,000 yards and double-digit touchdowns as well. He won't be around long come draft day.

FreeDraftGuide.com

RotoBaller's Outlook

Sam LaPorta's exceptional rookie season fueled his historic entrance into the NFL, while also creating an impactful shift within the tight end landscape. Detroit's selection of LaPorta during Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft (34th overall) infused him into a favorable environment, as he was positioned to secure significant playing time and extensive targeting as the Lions' primary tight end. LaPorta capitalized by providing Detroit with a prolific and reliable presence at his position. LaPorta established a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86/5.1 per game). His league-high 10 touchdowns also made him the third rookie tight end to attain a double-digit touchdown total. LaPorta also finished second among all tight ends in targets per route run (26.6%), and was fourth in air yards (826), fourth in red zone targets (16), fifth in receiving yards (889/52.3 per game), sixth in yards per route run (1.97), and eighth in yards after catch (364). LaPorta also paced all tight ends in contested catches (13), according to PFF. LaPorta also finished as a TE1 in 11 of his matchups, which propelled him to third with an average of 14.1 points per game from Weeks 1-18. He also tied for second in fantasy points per route run (0.52) according to Fantasy Points Data. LaPorta is primed to retain his integral role in Detroit's potent offense and should be the first tight end selected during Round 3 in dynasty startup drafts, and best-ball leagues.

Sam LaPorta's exceptional rookie season fueled his historic entrance into the NFL, while also creating an impactful shift within the tight end landscape. Detroit's selection of LaPorta during Round 2 of the 2023 NFL Draft (34th overall) infused him into a favorable environment, as he was positioned to secure significant playing time and extensive targeting as the Lions' primary tight end. LaPorta capitalized by providing Detroit with a prolific and reliable presence at his position. LaPorta established a new NFL record for receptions by a rookie tight end (86/5.1 per game). His league-high 10 touchdowns also made him the third rookie tight end to attain a double-digit touchdown total. LaPorta also finished second among all tight ends in targets per route run (26.6%), and was fourth in air yards (826), fourth in red zone targets (16), fifth in receiving yards (889/52.3 per game), sixth in yards per route run (1.97), and eighth in yards after catch (364). LaPorta also paced all tight ends in contested catches (13), according to PFF. LaPorta also finished as a TE1 in 11 of his matchups, which propelled him to third with an average of 14.1 points per game from Weeks 1-18. He also tied for second in fantasy points per route run (0.52) according to Fantasy Points Data. LaPorta is primed to retain his integral role in Detroit's potent offense and should be the first tight end selected during Round 3 in dynasty startup drafts, and best-ball leagues.

Fantasy WeekPts
Scoring
Week 18.90Sam LaPorta 39 receiving yds (3.90 pts)
Sam LaPorta 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Week 211.30Sam LaPorta 63 receiving yds (6.30 pts)
Sam LaPorta 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Week 322.40Sam LaPorta 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 45 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 84 receiving yds (8.40 pts)
Sam LaPorta 8 receptions (8.00 pts)
Week 49.60Sam LaPorta 56 receiving yds (5.60 pts)
Sam LaPorta 4 receptions (4.00 pts)
Week 519.70Sam LaPorta 2 receiving TDs (12.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 4 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
. . . Sam LaPorta 31 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 47 receiving yds (4.70 pts)
Sam LaPorta 3 receptions (3.00 pts)
Week 67.60Sam LaPorta 36 receiving yds (3.60 pts)
Sam LaPorta 4 receptions (4.00 pts)
Week 711.20Sam LaPorta 52 receiving yds (5.20 pts)
Sam LaPorta 6 receptions (6.00 pts)
Week 819.70Sam LaPorta 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 18 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 57 receiving yds (5.70 pts)
Sam LaPorta 8 receptions (8.00 pts)
Week 9
Week 108.00Sam LaPorta 40 receiving yds (4.00 pts)
Sam LaPorta 4 receptions (4.00 pts)
Week 116.80Sam LaPorta 1 receiving 2XP (2.00 pts)
Sam LaPorta 18 receiving yds (1.80 pts)
Sam LaPorta 3 receptions (3.00 pts)
Week 1217.70Sam LaPorta 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 7 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 1 receiving 2XP (2.00 pts)
Sam LaPorta 47 receiving yds (4.70 pts)
Sam LaPorta 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Week 1329.00Sam LaPorta 1 receiving TD (6.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 13 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 140 receiving yds (14.00 pts)
Sam LaPorta 9 receptions (9.00 pts)
Week 144.70Sam LaPorta 4 rushing yds (0.40 pts)
Sam LaPorta 23 receiving yds (2.30 pts)
Sam LaPorta 2 receptions (2.00 pts)
Playoff Week 128.60Sam LaPorta 3 receiving TDs (18.00 pts)
. . . Sam LaPorta 19 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
. . . Sam LaPorta 3 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
. . . Sam LaPorta 10 yd TD pass from Jared Goff
Sam LaPorta 56 receiving yds (5.60 pts)
Sam LaPorta 5 receptions (5.00 pts)
Playoff Week 24.80Sam LaPorta 18 receiving yds (1.80 pts)
Sam LaPorta 3 receptions (3.00 pts)
Playoff Week 315.40Sam LaPorta 84 receiving yds (8.40 pts)
Sam LaPorta 7 receptions (7.00 pts)
Player Notes
Jul 12 2:13pm ET

Dynasty | Lions rookie Sam LaPorta is drawing rave reviews from rival executives. Dynasty Analysis: After an 86/889/10 rookie season, LaPorta is being touted as the overall TE1 in dynasty leagues by many. It's hard to blame anyone for that line of thinking as the 23-year old looked like a dominant weapon for much of last season. While there's a chance of a step back with anyone this young, LaPorta looks like a premier dynasty asset and nearly untouchable via trade. If you hit on LaPorta in last year's rookie draft, congratulations.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Jan 29 9:50am ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught nine of his 13 targets for 97 yards in the 34-31 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The rookie has been dealing with a knee injury during the postseason, but it has seemingly not slowed him down. Through his first three playoff games, he caught 21 passes for 176 yards and one touchdown. His 21 catches rank sixth all-time for tight ends in a single postseason, trailing only Travis Kelce (four times) and Dan Ross (1981). Needless to say, the Iowa product had an amazing rookie season, and he is now viewed as the dynasty TE1 in fantasy football. There's a chance he will be the consensus TE1 in 2024 fantasy football drafts.

From RotoBaller

Jan 26 4:30pm ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) did not practice on Wednesday, got in a limited session on Thursday, and practiced in full on Friday. The rookie is still dealing with the knee injury he suffered in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, but he does not carry an injury designation into Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers surrendered the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends during the regular season, but LaPorta has proven he has upside in all matchups. He's the third-most expensive tight end option behind Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews in FanDuel DFS contests on Sunday, so he remains a strong consideration in lineups.

From RotoBaller

Jan 25 4:20pm ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) was listed as a non-participant on Wednesday's estimated practice report, but he was upgraded to a limited participant on Thursday. The rookie, who posted 86 receptions during the regular season, suffered a hyper-extended knee and bone bruise against the Minnesota Vikings in the season finale. Still, he was healthy enough to suit up for the Wild Card and Divisional rounds. Detroit will likely be careful with his practice reps throughout the week, but he should be fully expected to play against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jan 24 6:50pm ET

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) was listed as a non-participant at practice on Wednesday. LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in his left knee in Week 18 against the Minnesota Vikings, but the 23-year-old has been able to play in both of Detroit's playoff games and has caught 12 of his 14 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. He scored in the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he was much more involved in the Divisional Round, catching nine of 11 targets for 65 yards in the victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. LaPorta, who was the top fantasy tight end during the regular season, should return to practice later this week and play in Sunday's NFC Championship contest versus the San Francisco 49ers. In the last five weeks of the regular season, San Fran's vaunted defense allowed the third-most half-PPR points to opposing tight ends.

From RotoBaller

Jan 21 6:50pm ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught nine of his 11 targets for 65 yards in the win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC Divisional Round game. LaPorta entered Sunday's contest with a "questionable" tag due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 18, but he ultimately suited up and was clearly good to go. Barring any setbacks with his knee, the rookie from Iowa will remain on the fantasy radar against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game. The 49ers allowed the 11th-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends during the regular season, but he's proven to be virtually matchup-proof.

From RotoBaller

Jan 21 1:40pm ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is active for Sunday's playoff game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He had been listed as questionable. While there never appeared to be major concern about the rookie's status, it should be noted that he did downgrade to a limited participant in practice on Thursday and Friday. Nevertheless, he's active for the Divisional Round and will presumably handle a full workload. LaPorta registered three catches, 14 yards, and one touchdown in last week's playoff game, and he remains an intriguing option for fantasy managers and bettors ahead of kickoff Sunday.

From RotoBaller

Jan 19 4:00pm ET

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is officially listed as questionable to play on Sunday against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. LaPorta suffered a hyperextended knee and a bone bruise in the Week 18 regular season finale but then played through a questionable tag in the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams. In that game, the 23-year-old played 80 percent of the offensive snaps and found the end zone on three catches. We'd be surprised if he wasn't active against the Buccaneers, a team that allowed the second-most half-PPR points to opposing TEs during the regular season. LaPorta was the top-scoring fantasy tight end in 2023, but he's going to carry some more risk in DFS this weekend because of his knee. DraftKings has him listed at $5,900, the second-most expensive TE behind Travis Kelce.

From RotoBaller

Jan 18 4:40pm ET

Detroit Lions rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) was downgraded to a limited practice participant on Thursday after he was listed as a full participant on Wednesday. Instead of suffering a setback with his hyperextended knee, the Lions were most likely resting the 23-year-old after he played through his knee injury in last weekend's wild-card win over the Los Angeles Rams. LaPorta played 45 of 56 offensive snaps last Sunday and caught all three of his targets for 14 yards and a touchdown. Unless he suffers a setback in practice on Friday, LaPorta should be good to go for the Divisional Round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even though the Buccaneers have been gouged by opposing tight ends all year, LaPorta will still carry plenty of risk as the second-most expensive TE on DraftKings for this weekend, behind only Travis Kelce.

From RotoBaller

Jan 18 2:30pm ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) practiced in full to begin the week leading up to the NFC Divisional Round contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Barring any setbacks, he should not be at risk of missing Sunday's game, and he should be more involved in the offense. The rookie saw just three targets in the win over the Los Angeles Rams, but he caught all three for 14 yards and a touchdown. The Buccaneers allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends during the regular season, so with a favorable matchup and improved health, the volume is likely to go up. He remains a solid DFS option for cash games and GPP tournaments.

From RotoBaller

Jan 17 4:10pm ET

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that rookie tight end Sam LaPorta (knee) is "coming along" and making progress after hyperextending his knee and suffering a bone bruise in the Week 18 regular season finale. LaPorta was questionable going into the wild-card round game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday night but ended up playing and caught three passes for 14 yards and his first postseason touchdown in the one-point win. The impressive rookie TE wasn't 100 percent in that game, but Campbell said LaPorta feels better than he did at this point last week, so that's encouraging for fantasy managers setting DFS lineups that want to use the 23-year-old in an excellent Divisional Round matchup against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Unless he has a setback later this week, LaPorta should be ready to play and should be more involved.

From RotoBaller

Jan 15 9:50am ET

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught all three of his targets for 14 yards and a touchdown in the NFC Wild Card win over the Los Angeles Rams. The rookie was questionable to play on Sunday due to a knee injury he suffered in Week 18, but he ultimately gutted it out and proved to be a difference-maker by securing a touchdown reception on fourth down. LaPorta played 80% of the team's snaps and wasn't a target hog like usual, but his contributions obviously loomed large in the end. Next week, he'll face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Philadelphia Eagles. Tampa Bay allowed the fourth-most fantasy points per game to tight ends during the regular season, while Philadelphia allowed the 13th-most. Either way, LaPorta will have upside, and he'll get a full week to heal up further before taking the field next weekend.

From RotoBaller

NFL Week
OppPtsRecRec
Yds
Rec
TDs
Rec
Tgt
100
Yds
Rush
Att
Rush
Yds
Rush
TDs
Fum
Lost
2023 Season239.30868891012011400
Week 1@KC8.905390500000
Week 2SEA11.305630600000
Week 3ATL22.4088411100000
Week 4@GB9.604560500000
Week 5CAR19.703472400000
Week 6@TB7.6043601100000
Week 7@BAL11.206520700000
Week 8LV19.7085711000000
Week 9bye
Week 10@LAC8.004400500000
Week 11CHI6.803180500000
Week 12GB17.705471800000
Week 13@NO29.0091401900000
Week 14@CHI4.702230601400
Week 15DEN28.605563600000
Week 16@MIN4.803180300000
Week 17@DAL15.4078401200000
Week 18MIN
WildcardLAR10.403141300000
DivisionalTB15.5096501100000
Championship@SF18.7099701300000