FORTIFIED FANTASY

Week 82026 ยท Standard ยท THIS WEEK

Should I start DJ Herman or Sam LaPorta this week? Week 8 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Sam LaPorta

+7.6 projected edge ยท Standard

Start Sam LaPorta over DJ Herman for Week 8 Standard: 8.2 projected points versus 0.6.

  • DJ Herman: 0.0 FP recent scoring average.
  • Sam LaPorta: 14.6 FP recent scoring average; 7.5% matchup reduction against MIN.

Forecast updated ยท Standard

Sam LaPorta
Why this pick?

Sam LaPorta

Fortified8.2
ESPN7.2
Sleeper7.0
FantasyProsโ€”

Sam LaPorta faces MIN in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 14.6 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 7.5%.

DJ Herman

Fortified0.6
ESPNโ€”
Sleeper0.6
FantasyProsโ€”

DJ Herman faces NE in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 0.0 fantasy points.

Sam LaPorta projects for 8.2 points in standard scoring, 7.6 more than DJ Herman. This is a projection-based recommendation, not a guarantee. Verify the latest injury report and active status before kickoff.

Updated Oct 26, 2026, 2:03 AM ET. Projections can change before kickoff.

Actuals, projections & playoff outlook

Your next decision

Tap a player for alternatives, or search a name.

SEE THE WHOLE SEASON

Donโ€™t just win Sunday.
Win whatโ€™s next.

Your roster. Every week.
A plan for the playoffs.

WEEK 7PLAYOFFS โ™›
Build my Game Plan Your team. Your leagueโ€™s rules.
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.

More Week 8 decisions

Still deciding on Sam LaPorta?

TE ยท Week 8Sam LaPorta or Brock Bowers?8.2 vs 11.1 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
TE ยท Week 8Sam LaPorta or Dallas Goedert?8.2 vs 7.1 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
TE ยท Week 8Sam LaPorta or Tyler Warren?8.2 vs 7.0 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
TE ยท Week 8Sam LaPorta or T.J. Hockenson?8.2 vs 6.9 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—

Other close calls

RB ยท Week 8Kenneth Walker III or Derrick Henry?20.9 vs 18.1 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
RB ยท Week 8Derrick Henry or Jahmyr Gibbs?18.1 vs 17.9 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
RB ยท Week 8Jahmyr Gibbs or Kyren Williams?17.9 vs 17.0 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
RB ยท Week 8Kyren Williams or Javonte Williams?17.0 vs 16.5 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
RB ยท Week 8Javonte Williams or Chuba Hubbard?16.5 vs 16.3 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
RB ยท Week 8Chuba Hubbard or James Cook III?16.3 vs 16.2 projected ยท Compare the matchup โ†—
Compare other players Week 8