Once the elite trio of tight ends comes off the board, fantasy managers face a tough decision. We wrote about this back in July, but whether you're chasing ceiling, seeking floor or waiting for value, this choice is about knowing which tight end aligns with your build.
In stead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta? They are routinely drafted between TE4 and TE6, as you will see when using our mock draft simulator, which is part of the RotoWire draft kit. They come each with a different risk profile, so let's break down the choice.
Run your own draft-day scenarios with the fantasy football draft software to test different strategies.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (TE4)
Sam LaPorta flashed elite upside late in 2024, averaging 50 receiving yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game over his final 11. He ranked in the 91st percentile in air yards share and 71st percentile in yards after the catch — clear signs of a featured passing role.
But his early season usage was a red flag; through Week 7, he averaged just 2.8 targets per game and dipped below 5.7 PPR points in three outings. That wasn't due to performance — it was game script; Detroit's defense was dominant and the offense leaned heavily on the ground game.
In 2025, that setup could return. The defense projects as a strength
Once the elite trio of tight ends comes off the board, fantasy managers face a tough decision. We wrote about this back in July, but whether you're chasing ceiling, seeking floor or waiting for value, this choice is about knowing which tight end aligns with your build.
In stead of looking at a whole tier, let's dive into a choice you might have to face on draft day. Who should you draft: Travis Kelce or Sam LaPorta? They are routinely drafted between TE4 and TE6, as you will see when using our mock draft simulator, which is part of the RotoWire draft kit. They come each with a different risk profile, so let's break down the choice.
Run your own draft-day scenarios with the fantasy football draft software to test different strategies.
Sam LaPorta, Detroit Lions (TE4)
Sam LaPorta flashed elite upside late in 2024, averaging 50 receiving yards and 0.64 touchdowns per game over his final 11. He ranked in the 91st percentile in air yards share and 71st percentile in yards after the catch — clear signs of a featured passing role.
But his early season usage was a red flag; through Week 7, he averaged just 2.8 targets per game and dipped below 5.7 PPR points in three outings. That wasn't due to performance — it was game script; Detroit's defense was dominant and the offense leaned heavily on the ground game.
In 2025, that setup could return. The defense projects as a strength again, and Jameson Williams is expected to command more targets.
In fantasy football formats, LaPorta's ADP requires top-tier volume. If shootouts don't happen, that target share could shrink.
Bottom line: LaPorta has top-3 upside, but you're paying for ceiling. Potential game-script risk makes him volatile at cost.
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Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs (TE6)
Travis Kelce is coming off his worst season since 2013, but his volume was still elite. He drew 133 targets and finished with 97 catches for 823 yards and three touchdowns. That kind of usage would be elite for most tight ends, but for Kelce, it signaled decline.
At age 35, the signs are there. He posted a 16th percentile rate in yards after the catch, and the Chiefs now have viable pass catchers in Rashee Rice (when he returns from his six-game suspension), Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown. If Kansas City spreads the ball around more, Kelce's path to another 100-plus targets gets murky.
Even if the volume sticks, it's likely the team scales back his role to keep him fresh for another playoff run. The weekly upside that once made him a league-winner may be gone, and the floor could get painful if touchdowns don't return.
Bottom line: Kelce is a fading superstar. He'll still have big games, but ADP no longer bakes in the safety net he once provided.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP TE Values
This fantasy football ADP battle is defined by what you're solving for:
• LaPorta gives you elite upside, but his output is tied to game script.
• Kelce has a chance to see volume, but decline is a major concern.
Best pick if price drops: Look to T.J. Hockenson instead if his price drops
Best upside swing: Sam LaPorta at cost
If you like these ADP battles, check this out:
Explore more player debates and tier analysis in our fantasy football articles.
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