Sam LaPorta vs George Kittle
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Sam LaPorta by 0.2 projected points (12.1 vs 11.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Sam LaPorta faces ARI, the 1st-friendliest matchup a TE can draw this week. George Kittle faces SEA, the 2nd-friendliest matchup a TE can draw this week.
This-week points are each player's projected per-game scoring rate adjusted for the matchup.
The season-long call
This one is a coin flip. The model leans Sam LaPorta by 1.2 points of value over replacement (0.5 vs -0.8), close enough that your roster build should break the tie.
The room sees it the other way: drafters take George Kittle first (ADP 88.6 vs 100.4). If the model is right, Sam LaPorta is the value pick, since the later cost buys the better 2026 projection.
| Sam LaPortaDET | George KittleSFO | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | ARI | SEA | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 12.1 | 11.9 | LaPorta +0.2 pts |
| Matchup rank (TE vs defense, of 30) | #1 | #2 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 178.4 | 177.2 | LaPorta +1.2 pts |
| Points per game | 10.5 | 10.4 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 0.5 | -0.8 | LaPorta +1.2 |
| Overall rank | #69 | #73 | LaPorta by 4 |
| Position rank | TE5 | TE6 | |
| Market ADP | 100.4 | 88.6 | LaPorta +11.8 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 9 | Rd 8 | |
| Bye week | 6 | 8 |
Should I start Sam LaPorta or George Kittle in Week 5?
This week is a coin flip. The model leans Sam LaPorta by 0.2 projected points (12.1 vs 11.9), close enough that either call is defensible.
Should I draft Sam LaPorta or George Kittle in 2026 fantasy football?
Sam LaPorta. He projects 178.4 fantasy points with 0.5 value over replacement, vs 177.2 points and -0.8 for George Kittle (TE, PPR). It's close enough to let roster needs decide.