Sam LaPorta

He’s getting lots of targets and looks like the quarterback’s go-to option again. Playing at home in the dome against Chicago in what could be a high-scoring game means he should keep catching passes, so he’s an easy, low-risk start.

Start Sam LaPorta this week — he should catch a lot of passes in a matchup where the Packers have given up big plays to tight ends and the game looks set to score a lot. That said, Detroit has a crowded passing game and some coaching and line changes, so if he looks great early, think about trading him for a more reliable player.

Draft him in the middle rounds — he finished strong last year and gets a lot of chances near the goal, so he could be your starting tight end. He’s a bit risky because Detroit has many pass catchers, a new coach, and some small injuries in his past, but he’s worth grabbing before the final rounds.

You should draft Sam LaPorta in the middle rounds, but only if we know for sure his back is fully healed. Getting him a bit later in those rounds helps lower the risk of his injury and his crowded offense.