The Detroit Lions will face the Minnesota Vikings in Week 18. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, especially regarding TE Sam LaPorta.
Is Sam LaPorta Playing in Week 18?
LaPorta is not listed on the injury report this week, so barring any setbacks, he is on track to play this weekend.
We’ll continue to monitor the Lions’ injury report. You can also visit and bookmark our NFL Injury Tracker and Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Sam LaPorta in Week 18?
LaPorta’s spot on the field was never in question. With his target rate trending toward the strong numbers he put up as a rookie, there should be no hesitation in playing him in the most impactful game of Week 18.
In fact, the first meeting with the Vikings has proven to be symbolic of a turning point. In that Week 7 clash, LaPorta hauled in just one pass on an 8% target share. He was heavily involved the following week in a one-sided win over the Titans (6-48-1) and has sustained nice growth from his slow start to the season.
LaPorta may not be the best pass catcher on this offense, but his role holds value and given the injuries on the defensive end, this offense needs to be clicking on all cylinders to earn the NFC’s top seed.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Week 18 Fantasy Start-Sit Advice Cheat Sheet for every fantasy-relevant player in every game.
Sam LaPorta’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 18
As of Sunday, LaPorta is projected to score 15.5 fantasy points in PPR formats. This includes 5.5 receptions for 63.5 yards and 0.6 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Sam LaPorta’s Fantasy Ranking
Our Weekly Consensus PPR Rankings are below — both positional and overall. They were last updated at 11:45 PM ET on Saturday, January 25.
Conference Championship TE PPR Rankings
1) Travis Kelce | KC (vs. BUF)
2) Dallas Goedert | PHI (vs. WAS)
3) Dalton Kincaid | BUF (at KC)
4) Zach Ertz | WAS (at PHI)
5) Noah Gray | KC (vs. BUF)
6) Dawson Knox | BUF (at KC)
7) John Bates | WAS (at PHI)
8) Grant Calcaterra | PHI (vs. WAS)
9) Ben Sinnott | WAS (at PHI)
10) Quintin Morris | BUF (at KC)
11) Peyton Hendershot | KC (vs. BUF)
12) E.J. Jenkins | PHI (vs. WAS)
13) Anthony Firkser | NYJ ()