Pat Freiermuth vs Sam LaPorta: Who Should You Start?
Pat Freiermuth and Sam LaPorta are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Pat Freiermuth averaged 5.5 PPG across 17 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while Sam LaPorta posted 9.7 PPG in 9 appearances for the Detroit Lions.
A 4.2-PPG gap gives Sam LaPorta the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Pat Freiermuth had 41 catches for 486 yards; Sam LaPorta posted 40 for 489. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
One scheduling note: Pat Freiermuth is off Week 9 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.
