Sam LaPorta vs Tucker Kraft
Who should you start in Week 5? This week's matchups and projections.
Who to start in Week 5
Start Sam LaPorta this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.4 projected points (12.1 vs 9.7).
Sam LaPorta faces ARI, the 1st-friendliest matchup a TE can draw this week. Tucker Kraft faces CHI, the 21st-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
The model takes Sam LaPorta: a clear but modest edge of 10.4 points of value over replacement (0.5 vs -10.0).
The draft market agrees: Sam LaPorta goes first at ADP 100.4 vs 105.7 for Tucker Kraft.
| Sam LaPortaDET | Tucker KraftGNB | Edge | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Week 5 opponent | ARI | CHI | |
| Projected Week 5 points | 12.1 | 9.7 | LaPorta +2.4 pts |
| Matchup rank (TE vs defense, of 30) | #1 | #21 | |
| Projected 2026 points (PPR) | 178.4 | 168.0 | LaPorta +10.4 pts |
| Points per game | 10.5 | 9.9 | |
| Value over replacement (VBD) | 0.5 | -10.0 | LaPorta +10.4 |
| Overall rank | #69 | #85 | LaPorta by 16 |
| Position rank | TE5 | TE8 | |
| Market ADP | 100.4 | 105.7 | Kraft +5.3 cheaper |
| Typical round (12-team) | Rd 9 | Rd 9 | |
| Bye week | 6 | 11 |
Should I start Sam LaPorta or Tucker Kraft in Week 5?
Start Sam LaPorta this week: a clear but modest edge of 2.4 projected points (12.1 vs 9.7).
Should I draft Sam LaPorta or Tucker Kraft in 2026 fantasy football?
Sam LaPorta. He projects 178.4 fantasy points with 0.5 value over replacement, vs 168.0 points and -10.0 for Tucker Kraft (TE, PPR).