Brock Bowers vs Sam LaPorta: Who Should You Start?
Deciding between Brock Bowers and Sam LaPorta is a common lineup dilemma for fantasy managers. The Las Vegas Raiders tight end put up 12.0 PPG in 2025 over 12 games; Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions averaged 9.7 in 9. A 2.3-point margin that could shift on any given week.
The per-game difference of 2.3 points favors Brock Bowers, though savvy managers know that gap can shrink or widen depending on the weekly slate. Defensive matchup, recent scoring trends, and health status all shift the calculus from one tight end to the other.
Brock Bowers is the volume tight end in this matchup with 64 receptions for 680 yards, while Sam LaPorta profiles as a more touchdown-dependent spike play (3 scores on 40 catches). In weeks where Sam LaPorta finds the end zone he out-scores Brock Bowers, but the floor gap is real.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Brock Bowers sits Week 10 while Sam LaPorta is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
