Sam LaPorta
vs Tucker Kraft

“The fantasy runout was mild, but LaPorta had the usage rates we look for in a TE1 . He ran a route on 82.9% of the Detroit dropbacks (TE5) and accounted for 20.5% of the team's targets (TE10). LaPorta ran 34 routes, tied for second at the position.”

“TE Sam LaPorta vs NO A vote of confidence from Andy for Sam LaPorta , who missed the majority of training camp with a hip injury after spending the offseason recovering from back surgery. When healthy, LaPorta is always a threat to score a TD or two, and the Saints defense’s weak spot is the TE position.”

“-Tom Strachan Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) Sam LaPorta has been in the NFL for three seasons and has been a consistent contributor since Day 1.”

“Sam LaPorta is healthier, but the Lions were bad last season, and the most important thing is that they might have a competent play-caller once again in Drew Petzing. The team has said they want to lean into what Jared Goff does best by using play-action passes heavily.”

“Round 8: Sam LaPorta (TE – DET) I wanted to add more tight ends given the TE-Premium setting, and Sam LaPorta is a great target.”

“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.”

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

“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.”

“Kraft is still only 10 months removed from ACL surgery after tearing it in mid-November 2025. Even with that, he has seen a 63% route share over the past two weeks. While that is just outside the top 10 tight ends in usage, I expect his role to continue growing as the year goes on.”

“With Christian Watson and Matthew Golden dominating targets from Jordan Love – the pair have accounted for 50% of team targets at all positions – it is hardly surprising that Kraft has been left to pick up scraps as the clear third option in this Green Bay passing game. Sure, he may still be recovering from that torn ACL…but all reports heading into the season were that he was 100% good-to-go; so I am not buying it. Contrast this with Kelce and his almost sickening chemistry with Mahomes, and it looks as if Zeus could once again be near the summit of the TE mountain come the fantasy playoffs.”

“TE Tucker Kraft vs ATL If you have Kraft, make sure he is in your lineup tonight against Atlanta. The ramp-up happened quickly off the ACL injury, with Kraft’s snap involvement going from 66% in week one to 98% last week. The Packers’ offense struggled to get much of anything going last week, but the consensus seems to be that Kraft’s usage (or lack thereof) might have been the problem.”

“Given his current cost, Tucker Kraft is my favorite tight end to target this season, compared to the options ahead of him.”

“Christian Watson and Jayden Reed were given extensions, Tucker Kraft is back healthy, and first-round receiver Matthew Golden is entering his sophomore season.”