Who Should I Start? Sam LaPorta or Will Shipley
Week 5 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 4.9 | 54.9 | 0.5 |
Sam LaPorta News
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.
Week 5 Projections
| Fant. Pts. |
Rush. Yds. |
Rush TD |
Rec. | Rec. Yds. |
Rec TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8.7 | 34.7 | 0.2 | 2.3 | 15.1 | 0.1 |
Will Shipley News
Monday, October 5, 5:28 PM
Philadelphia Eagles running back Will Shipley has seen most of his usage on special teams since entering the NFL in 2024, recording just 76 total touches across 35 career games with the Eagles. However, the 24-year-old could get his chance to lead the Philadelphia backfield in the team's upcoming Week 5 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (hamstring) is considered unlikely to play against Jacksonville with a hamstring injury, and RB2 Tank Bigsby (core) is set to undergo core muscle surgery and will be placed on Injured Reserve. As a result, Shipley could be called upon to play a three-down role against the Jaguars. In leagues where he remains available on the waiver wire, Shipley profiles as a must-add running back for fantasy managers.
Sam LaPorta vs. Will Shipley
Still trying to decide between LaPorta and Shipley? 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 13.2 points this week while Will Shipley is projected to score 8.7 points.
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