Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Sam LaPorta


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.0 0.0 0.0 3.7 42.8 0.3

George Kittle News

George Kittle Could be on Snap Count in Week 1

Thursday, September 3, 11:13 AM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) traveled with the team to Australia for the Week 1 regular-season opener next Thursday against the division-rival Los Angeles Rams, but that does not mean that he will play a full game if he is active next week. If Kittle is active, The Athletic's Matt Barrows is "sure he won't be on the field for his usual 95 percent of the offensive snaps." The 49ers must consider the long ride back for Kittle, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon in the playoffs back in January. The 32-year-old veteran is a seven-time Pro Bowler and two-time first-team All-Pro, but he also has a lengthy injury history and managed to play in just 11 regular-season games in 2025 in his ninth year in the NFL, catching 57 of his 69 targets for 628 yards and seven touchdowns. The 49ers are most likely looking to slowly ease Kittle back into the offense so that he can be peaking late in the year if he manages to stay healthy in 2026. Fantasy managers setting DFS lineups in Week 1 should be fading Kittle at the TE position.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
11.2 0.0 0.0 4.2 48.5 0.3

Sam LaPorta News

Sam LaPorta Poised for Resurgent Season with Improved Health Outlook

Thursday, September 3, 12:25 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta's 2025 campaign came to a premature end after he suffered a back injury in Week 10 that ultimately required season-ending surgery. The 25-year-old was productive before getting hurt, recording 40 catches for 489 yards and three touchdowns on 49 targets across nine games played. LaPorta gave fantasy managers a scare when he suffered a hip injury that caused him to miss some time this summer. However, the young tight end was able to return to practice and looks to be on track to start the regular season fully healthy. Between wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, as well as running back Jahmyr Gibbs, LaPorta faces plenty of target competition in Detroit. Still, the Lions enter the year with questions on defense and a new-look offensive line, both of which could force them to turn to the air early and often in 2026. As long as LaPorta remains healthy, he could be poised for a bounce-back season.


George Kittle vs. Sam LaPorta

Still trying to decide between Kittle and LaPorta? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that George Kittle is projected to score 10.0 points this week while Sam LaPorta is projected to score 11.2 points.