Sam LaPorta vs Jayden Daniels

“This stretch of games from Weeks 11-18 also coincided with Sam LaPorta ‘s absence, which increased Gibbs’ passing game usage.”

“Sam LaPorta – 2.14 Browns QBs through 5 training camp practices, per ESPN Cleveland:”

“Most playoff receiving yards ever by a rookie TE (193), passing Sam LaPorta”

“Round 9: Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) Since the FLEX spot allows for tight ends, I made a dart-throw pick on Sam LaPorta.”

“Sam LaPorta has dealt with injuries in the last two seasons, to the point where I don’t want to target him this season. His rookie year breakout feels like ages ago.”

“Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) LaPorta is currently the TE8, 84th overall, a range one analyst 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.”

“From Weeks 1-10, including a Week 8 bye week, LaPorta was the TE8 in PPR leagues. He averaged 11.9 fantasy points per game, catching 40 passes for 489 yards and three touchdowns before the injury. In that span, he had an 18.6% target share, which was second on the team behind wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (31.2%).”

“Sam LaPorta was the counter-pick, a name being drafted at a discount after a frustrating, injury-interrupted season.”

“This brings us to TE Sam LaPorta . Historically, he had been one of those middle-round TEs that Jason was avoiding like the plague. But now that he has been slipping to rounds 9-10, he’s an excellent pick when taking opportunity/cost into consideration.”

“Harold Fannin sits at TE6, and Kyle Pitts and Sam LaPorta are essentially tied for TE7 and TE8, with Pitts holding just a slight edge on the chart. Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL) vs. Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) In a live dynasty startup draft one of our analysts is currently participating in, Pitts came off the board about eight picks before their own selection, leading them to take LaPorta in the same round instead.”

“LaPorta dominated from the outside as one of the best receiving tight ends in the league, and while he's fallen back to earth a bit from the highs of his rookie campaign, he's still very good.”

“LaPorta only appeared in nine games last season due to a herniated disc. Before his injury, LaPorta had received 18.6% of Detroit's targets (TE9) and averaged 2.0 yards per route run (TE6).”

“While everyone had high hopes for McLaurin in 2025, injuries to him and Jayden Daniels ruined his season.”

“Jayden Daniels (QB – WAS) ADP: 59 | (QB5) He has the talent to bounce back after an injury-plagued season last year, but he’s being priced at his ceiling. Despite finishing QB5 in PPR fantasy points per game, a lot of it had to do with his rushing.”

“As long as Jayden Daniels can remain healthy, this should be a formidable offense”

“Going from Cam Ward to Jayden Daniels this year is an upgrade at the quarterback position, which only strengthens his chances at cracking the top 12”

“Lamar Jackson , Jayden Daniels , Joe Burrow , Baker Mayfield , and Kyler Murray all were selected as top-12 players at the position and finished double-digit slots behind expectations in terms of points per game.”

“The rushing upside of Jayden Daniels tempted me, but the Bengals’ schedule should be excellent for Burrow and the passing attack.”

“After a sublime 2024 rookie season in which he threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns, ran for 891 yards and six touchdowns, and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels played only seven games in 2025 due to elbow, knee and ankle injuries. When he was healthy, Daniels was a far less efficient passer than he had been in 2024, averaging only 6.7 yards per pass attempt and completing 60.6% of his throws in 2025 (down from 7.4 YPA and a 69.0% completion rate as a rookie).”

“Von Miller spoke about choosing the Commanders, saying "with the Washington Commanders, I just felt like Jayden Daniels was poised for another great season. His rookie season went all the way to the NFC Championship, and last year, he got hit with injuries, not just at the quarterback position, but all over the place."”

“With Terry McLaurin limited to 10 games last season, Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz were the top two target options in the offense. Neither has been re-signed, and both remain free agents. After last year's injuries and less proven talent around him, the risk far outweighs the reward of selecting Daniels at his current ADP.”

“When Daniels did play a complete game, he was still productive for fantasy. In those weeks, he posted 19.6 fantasy points per game, which would have been QB7 for the season. He scored at least 15 fantasy points in six of his seven appearances, showing he still has a high floor.”

“Assuming he can see time on the field in that same role with Jayden Daniels at quarterback, he will generate significant fantasy points with his efficiency.”

“Washington's fortunes revolve around the health of Jayden Daniels. The positive is that before injuries derailed his 2025 season, he still flashed franchise-quarterback traits, and the team was competitive.”