Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Bhayshul Tuten
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
Wednesday, July 1, 7:31 PM
ESPN's Ben Solak thinks the Detroit Lions should trade tight end Sam LaPorta as they stare at upcoming big contract extensions for him, star running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and safety Brian Branch. The Lions are also carrying sizable second contracts at quarterback (Jared Goff), wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), edge rusher (Aidan Hutchinson), and offensive tackle (Penei Sewell). Gibbs is probably untouchable as one of the best dual-threat backs in the NFL. LaPorta had an eye-popping rookie season with 86 catches, 889 yards, and 10 touchdowns, but he's lost some volume in Detroit's passing attack as receiver Jameson Williams has developed into the team's WR2. In the last two years, LaPorta's 25% target per route fell to 19.7%, and Williams has produced more yards per target, yards per route, and explosive receptions per target. The 25-year-old former second-rounder is now the clear fourth target in an explosive Lions offense, which makes him somewhat expendable. Additionally, LaPorta isn't a very strong blocker. Solak predicts that the Carolina Panthers, a team that hasn't had a difference-making pass-catching tight end since Greg Olsen, could come calling if the Lions are willing to listen.
Week 1 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11.5 | 52.3 | 0.4 | 1.8 | 13.4 | 0.1 |
Bhayshul Tuten News
Wednesday, July 15, 9:12 AM
Sports Illustrated's John Shipley writes that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Bhayshul Tuten's upside as a pass-catcher "gives him the narrow edge" over newcomer Chris Rodriguez Jr. "All signs point to this being a timeshare backfield" now that Travis Etienne Jr. is in New Orleans. Tuten flashed tons of explosive talent as a rookie, recording 307 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 83 rushing attempts while adding 10 receptions for 79 yards and another two scores in 15 regular-season games. The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder from Virginia Tech has also looked good during the offseason program, but the Jags signed Rodriguez for a reason, and his history with head coach Liam Coen "could serve him well as he battles for snaps." Shipley predicts that Tuten will "win" the RB1 job out of training camp, but it remains to be seen what the RB1 job in Duvall will look like in 2026. In addition to Rodriguez, second-year back LeQuint Allen Jr. figures to have a bigger role in the backfield, most likely as the team's go-to pass-catching RB. Tuten's fantasy ceiling could be capped in a pure committee backfield, but he's still the most attractive fantasy target in the Jaguars' backfield and should be considered a low-end RB2 with upside on draft day.
Sam LaPorta vs. Bhayshul Tuten
Still trying to decide between LaPorta and Tuten? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Sam LaPorta is projected to score 11.2 points this week while Bhayshul Tuten is projected to score 11.5 points.
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