AJ Barner vs Sam LaPorta
Two tight ends fantasy managers weigh against each other for 2026. Here is the head-to-head on projections, expert consensus, ADP and usage, with our Clutch Score verdict on who to draft.
Who to draft
Strong edge · 95% confident
Sam LaPorta- Higher projection: 197 vs 142 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 83 vs 192
- More points per game: 11.9 vs 8.7
AJ Barner and Sam LaPorta are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Sam LaPorta holds the edge in expert consensus (TE8 to TE22). Sam LaPorta typically comes off the board first, around pick 57 (round 5) to AJ Barner's pick 189. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Sam LaPorta at 197 PPR points (11.6 per game) versus AJ Barner at 142.
Last season AJ Barner carried the heavier workload (78% snap share, 78 touches to Sam LaPorta's 49), and opportunity is the most stable predictor of fantasy value. For a 2026 redraft, Sam LaPorta is the clear pick on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Head-to-head
| Stat | Barner | LaPorta |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 142 | 197 |
| Points / game | 8.7 | 11.9 |
| Games played | 17 | 9 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #192 | #83 |
| ADP | 189 | 57 |
| Positional rank | TE14 | TE26 |
| Snap share | 78% | 90% |
| Red-zone touches | 15 | 4 |
| Age | 24 | 25 |
| Bye week | 11 | 6 |
Highlighted value wins each row. Season stats are 2025 (PPR); projections, ADP and consensus are for 2026.
Setting a lineup this week? Start/sit: AJ Barner or Sam LaPorta.
Frequently asked
Should I draft AJ Barner or Sam LaPorta in 2026?
Sam LaPorta is a clear call over AJ Barner for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, AJ Barner or Sam LaPorta?
Sam LaPorta carries the higher 2026 projection at 197 PPR points (11.6 per game), compared with 142 for AJ Barner.
Where are AJ Barner and Sam LaPorta being drafted?
Sam LaPorta has an ADP around pick 57 (round 5), while AJ Barner goes closer to pick 189 (round 16).
Who is ranked higher, AJ Barner or Sam LaPorta?
Expert consensus ranks Sam LaPorta (TE8) ahead of AJ Barner (TE22) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.