Juwan Johnson vs Sam LaPorta: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Juwan Johnson finished the 2025 season at 8.3 PPG over 17 games with the New Orleans Saints, while Sam LaPorta clocked in at 9.7 across 9 appearances for the Detroit Lions. A 1.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.
With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.
Juwan Johnson is the volume tight end in this matchup with 77 receptions for 889 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 Juwan Johnson, but the floor gap is real.
One scheduling note: Juwan Johnson is off Week 12 and Sam LaPorta Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
