Fantasy Football: One QB, RB, WR, and TE primed for huge Week 3 performances

TE: Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions

With Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back David Montgomery both banged up and in jeopardy of missing Week 3, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta may need to be a big part of the Lions game plan in Week 3 against the Falcons. Even if one or both play, it is likely that neither of them will be at 100 percent.

LaPorta has operated as Jared Goff’s security blanket in the middle of the field behind St. Brown. He is tied for fourth amongst tight ends in targets (11) and is tied with fellow rookie Jahmyr Gibbs for third in targets on the Lions. Goff thrives when games are played indoors and the Lions host the Falcons in their domed arena of Ford Field this week.

His blend of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a tough cover in the middle of the field and allows him to turn short catches into longer gains as evidenced by this play against the Seahawks in Week 2:

Per StatMuse, LaPorta is fourth amongst tight ends in receiving yards per game through two weeks (51). However, he’s yet to find the endzone in his brief NFL career. This is the week LaPorta puts it all together and combines the receptions and yardage totals with a touchdown. Start him with confidence in a game that has shootout potential.