Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Elijah Arroyo

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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 Reminding the Lions What They Missed

Wednesday, August 12, 5:49 AM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta missed the final eight games of 2025 with a herniated disc in his back, but once again healthy and unencumbered, he's made his presence felt throughout training camp, with senior team writer Tim Twentyman noting that he's reminded the team just how much he was missed to end the year. A day after quarterback Jared Goff called him a "stud" while speaking with the media, the two connected on back-to-back plays during a competitive portion of Tuesday's practice, following a big gain down the seam with a nine-yard touchdown. LaPorta was the TE1 as a rookie in 2023, and after a quieter second season, he was pacing as the TE7 through his first nine games of 2025. With a major role projected in Drew Petzing's tight end-friendly offense, he is RotoBaller's TE6 for 2026.

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Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
3.4 0.0 0.0 1.3 15.4 0.1

Elijah Arroyo News

Elijah Arroyo Plays With No. 2 Offense in Preseason Opener

Sunday, August 16, 5:57 AM

Seattle Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo played in Seattle's preseason opener against the Cowboys on Saturday. He recorded one reception for 12 yards. Given that Seattle did not play its first-team offense, Arroyo's playing time suggests that the 2025 second-round pick is squarely behind AJ Barner at the top of the depth chart. Barner broke out in 2025 while Arroyo struggled through injuries. The team will likely employ two-tight end sets relatively often, which means Arroyo should see the field quite a bit. However, it is clear that the tight end of value for fantasy will be Barner. Arroyo is a talented player who could eventually emerge in this offense, but for now he is best left on waivers until he proves himself on the field.

Sam LaPorta vs. Elijah Arroyo

Still trying to decide between LaPorta and Arroyo? 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 Elijah Arroyo is projected to score 3.4 points.