Sam LaPorta Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

In 16 games, LaPorta posted 174.6 fantasy points (TE7) and 10.9 points per game (TE9).

He caught 60 passes (11th) on 83 targets (13th) for 726 yards (6th) and 7 TDs (T-4th).

He finished as a top-12 TE in 10 games, delivering weekly reliability even as target volume dipped slightly from his rookie campaign.

Usage & Role

LaPorta ran a route on 77.8% of dropbacks and played 50.7% in-line with 26.5% of his snaps in the slot, showcasing versatile deployment.

His 15.3% target share (15th among TEs) and 15.7% first-read rate reflect a steady involvement in Detroit’s offense, especially on key downs and in the red zone.

Efficiency Metrics

LaPorta remained one of the league's most efficient TEs:

• 1.57 yards per route (13th among TEs with 30+ targets)
• 6.1 yards after catch per reception (6th)
• 1.4 yards after catch over expectation (4th)
• 77.8 PFF receiving grade (7th)

He consistently created separation and had a strong catch rate of 75.9% with a minimal 1.9% drop rate. His 8.1-yard average target depth shows he’s used deeper than most TEs, giving him chunk-play upside.

Offensive Context

Detroit’s offense was elite in volume, ranking first in total plays.

The Lions operated a run-first system (27th in overall pass rate, 53.4% neutral pass rate) but leaned on the pass in scoring range.

This environment was ideal for maximizing efficiency and sustaining long drives, aided by a top-10 supporting cast and former OC Ben Johnson’s design.

Still, LaPorta thrived in the TE-friendly scheme, which uses motion, play-action, and layered concepts to create space for YAC-heavy routes.

Historical Production & Trends

After finishing as TE1 overall in 2023, LaPorta slightly regressed in usage (targets per route dropped from 0.24 to 0.18) but remained efficient and reliable.

His PPR points per game dipped from 13.8 to 10.9, but he continued to outperform his expected PPG (9.7), highlighting red-zone trust and after-catch value.

Injury History

LaPorta missed one game in 2024 after suffering an A/C joint sprain in his shoulder in Week 10.

This minor injury was the only missed game of his NFL career.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

LaPorta returns as a full-time player and top-three target in Detroit’s passing game alongside WRs Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams.

The TE room has stayed consistent with Brock Wright and Shane Zylstra backing up LaPorta. Neither are a threat to LaPorta’s role.

Supporting Cast

The Lions return one of the league’s most complete offensive units.

QB Jared Goff is back after one of his best seasons ever, ranking top five in completion rate, passing yards, and passing TDs.

The OL returns four of five starters after finishing 16th in ESPN run blocking success (72%) and 12th in pass blocking success (64%) last year. OTs Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell lock down the edges while Christian Mahogany returns on the interior. The Lions will need to replace All-Pro Center Frank Ragnow, who recently retired.

The Lions drafted OG Tate Ratledge in the second round. He’s expected to fill in at either Center or RG immediately.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Ben Johnson’s offense was built to play to the strengths of the passing game with quick reads, play-action, intermediate accuracy.

The Lions were first in the NFL in points with a 52.2% pass rate and 53.4% neutral pass rate. Though they were 27th in pace, they had ranked in the top 13 the three years prior.

Unfortunately, Johnson has moved on to coach the Bears. New OC John Morton was a senior offensive assistant under Johnson in 2022. Over the last two years, he was the passing game assistant for the Denver Broncos.

Morton vowed he would keep the offensive scheme intact, stating: “I’m not changing much. I mean, why? I mean, it’s working, right?”

If the scheme stays the same, LaPorta should thrive in the TE-friendly environment.