Should I start Sam LaPorta or Zaire Mitchell-Paden this week? Week 8 Standard (2026)

THE FF CALL

Start Sam LaPorta

+6.3 projected edge · Standard

Start Sam LaPorta over Zaire Mitchell-Paden for Week 8 Standard: 6.3 projected points versus 0.0.

Sam LaPorta: 8.3 FP recent scoring average; 10% matchup reduction against MIN.
Zaire Mitchell-Paden: BYE.

Forecast updated Oct 28, 2026, 12:16 AM ET · Standard

FF PICK

Sam LaPorta

TE · DETStats & schedule

6.3FF projected

↓ -0.3 vs ESPN

vs MIN

Sun 1:00 PM ET

THE ALTERNATIVE

Zaire Mitchell-Paden

TE · HOUStats & schedule

0.0FF projected

BYE

Check bye / schedule

Why this pick?

Sam LaPorta

Fortified6.3

ESPN6.7

Sleeper6.9

FantasyPros6.9

Sam LaPorta faces MIN in Week 8. Recent scoring average: 8.3 fantasy points. The position-specific defensive matchup adjusts the forecast down 10%.

Zaire Mitchell-Paden

Fortified0.0

Sleeper0.0

BYE

Zaire Mitchell-Paden is on bye in Week 8 and projects for 0.0 FP. Sam LaPorta has a scheduled game and projects for 6.3 FP. Confirm his availability before kickoff.

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.