THE ALTERNATIVE
Rico Dowdle
RB · PITStats & schedule ›7.8FF projected
↓ -0.3 vs ESPN
vs CLESun 1:00 PM ET
Should I start Rico Dowdle or Sam LaPorta this week? Week 8 Half-PPR (2026)
THE RESEARCH PICK
Start Sam LaPorta
Week 8 · Half-PPR
Recent scoring favors Sam LaPorta: 9.8 versus 9.0 FP per game.
Forecast updated · Half-PPR
vs CLERESEARCH PICK
Sam LaPorta
TE · DETStats & schedule ›8.3FF projected
↓ -0.4 vs ESPN
vs MINSun 1:00 PM ET
Rico Dowdle
FF7.8 FP
Boosted Trees5.9 FP
Workload8.1 FP
Monte Carlo8.2 FP
- Recent scoring average: 9.0 FP.
- The saved workload scenario allocates 3.6 targets and 7.6 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
- Return scenarios include Ben Skowronek; their availability can redistribute the workload.
- Last 3 recorded games: 7.3 carries per game.
Sam LaPorta
FF8.3 FP
Boosted Trees6.9 FP
Workload8.9 FP
Monte Carlo8.8 FP
- His prior three-game scoring average was 17.3 FP. Compared with holding recent form level with the forecast, that scoring history shifts the tree estimate down 3.0 FP. This isolates model sensitivity, not a guaranteed football outcome.
- Recent scoring average: 9.8 FP.
- The MIN defensive matchup changes the FF estimate down 10%.
- The saved workload scenario allocates 5.9 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
- Return scenarios include Amon-Ra St. Brown; their availability can redistribute the workload.
- Last 3 recorded games: 7.3 targets per game.
Rico Dowdle
Fortified7.8
ESPN8.0
Sleeper8.0
FantasyPros7.5
Rico Dowdle faces CLE in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 9.0 fantasy points.
Sam LaPorta
Fortified8.3
ESPN8.7
Sleeper9.0
FantasyPros9.0
Sam LaPorta faces MIN in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 9.8 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 10%.
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Scoring & lineup notes
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