Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Michael Mayer

Friday, October 2, 5:32 PM

Across three games so far in 2026, Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta has recorded 14 catches for 144 yards and a touchdown on 19 targets. The 25-year-old is coming off his least productive game of the young season, as he recorded just three catches for 44 yards on four targets against the New York Jets. However, LaPorta will have a chance to bounce back in Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers had a tough time containing Cleveland Browns tight end Harold Fannin Jr. in Week 3, allowing him to record 51 receiving yards and two touchdowns on nine targets. Carolina's potent passing offense should also be able to move the ball against the Lions' struggling secondary, which could lead to a high-scoring, pass-heavy game script for both teams. As long as Detroit quarterback Jared Goff continues to throw the ball at his current rate (36.3 pass attempts per game), LaPorta has a chance for big production. He profiles as a solid TE1 option for fantasy managers in Week 4.