Sam LaPorta vs Tucker Kraft: Who Should You Start?
Sam LaPorta and Tucker Kraft are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Sam LaPorta averaged 9.7 PPG across 9 games with the Detroit Lions, while Tucker Kraft posted 12.6 PPG in 8 appearances for the Green Bay Packers.
A 2.9-PPG gap gives Tucker Kraft 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. Sam LaPorta had 40 catches for 489 yards; Tucker Kraft posted 32 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: Sam LaPorta is off Week 5 and Tucker Kraft Week 10. 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.
