Should I start Ryan Flournoy or Sam LaPorta this week? Week 8 Half-PPR (2026)

THE RESEARCH PICK

Start Sam LaPorta

Week 8 · Half-PPR

Sam LaPorta averaged 7.3 targets per game across the last 3 recorded games, compared with 6.0 for Ryan Flournoy. More opportunities provide another route to fantasy points.

Forecast updated Oct 28, 2026, 12:16 AM ET · Half-PPR

THE ALTERNATIVE

Ryan Flournoy

WR · DALStats & schedule

8.2FF projected

↑ +0.7 vs ESPN

vs ARI

Sun 1:00 PM ET

RESEARCH PICK

Sam LaPorta

TE · DETStats & schedule

8.3FF projected

↓ -0.4 vs ESPN

vs MIN

Sun 1:00 PM ET

Experimental research pick, not a proven win probability. This does not change either FF projection.

Ryan Flournoy

FF8.2 FP

Boosted Trees6.7 FP

Workload7.8 FP

Monte Carlo7.9 FP

Middle 80% scoring range: 1.4–15.9 FP

His prior three-game scoring average was 12.0 FP. Compared with holding recent form level with the forecast, that scoring history shifts the tree estimate down 0.9 FP. This isolates model sensitivity, not a guaranteed football outcome.
Recent scoring average: 11.0 FP.
The saved workload scenario allocates 5.4 targets and 0.0 carries. These are conditional estimates, not confirmed opportunities.
Return scenarios include KaVontae Turpin, Emari Demercado; their availability can redistribute the workload.
Last 3 recorded games: 6.0 targets per game.

Sam LaPorta

FF8.3 FP

Boosted Trees6.9 FP

Workload8.9 FP

Monte Carlo8.8 FP

Middle 80% scoring range: 0.1–20.2 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.

Experimental models are research signals, not a validated tiebreaker yet. Missing saved results stay blank. No simulations or training were run for this request.

Ryan Flournoy

Fortified8.2

ESPN7.4

Sleeper7.0

FantasyPros7.4

Ryan Flournoy faces ARI in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 11.0 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%.

Sam LaPorta projects for 8.3 points in half-PPR scoring, 0.1 more than Ryan Flournoy. The gap is small; late injury news or your league’s scoring can change the choice.

Updated Oct 28, 2026, 12:16 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

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Scoring & lineup notes

PPR awards one point per reception; half-PPR awards 0.5; standard awards none. Custom league rules can change the result. Confirm active status, kickoff and lineup locks. Projections are estimates; completed-week scores are actuals.