Gunnar Helm 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 130 pts
- Experts agree: consensus rank 83 vs 216
- More points per game: 11.9 vs 5.7
Gunnar Helm and Sam LaPorta are a common 2026 draft-day decision at tight end. Sam LaPorta holds the edge in expert consensus (TE8 to TE25). Sam LaPorta typically comes off the board first, around pick 57 (round 5) to Gunnar Helm's pick 233. The 2026 projections clearly separate them: Sam LaPorta at 197 PPR points (11.6 per game) versus Gunnar Helm at 130.
Last season Gunnar Helm carried the heavier workload (53% snap share, 55 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 | Helm | LaPorta |
|---|---|---|
| Projected points | 130 | 197 |
| Points / game | 5.7 | 11.9 |
| Games played | 16 | 9 |
| Expert rank (ECR) | #216 | #83 |
| ADP | 233 | 57 |
| Positional rank | TE30 | TE26 |
| Snap share | 53% | 90% |
| Red-zone touches | 7 | 4 |
| Age | 24 | 25 |
| Bye week | 9 | 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: Gunnar Helm or Sam LaPorta.
Frequently asked
Should I draft Gunnar Helm or Sam LaPorta in 2026?
Sam LaPorta is a clear call over Gunnar Helm for 2026, on the higher projection, stronger expert consensus and an earlier ADP.
Who is projected to score more, Gunnar Helm or Sam LaPorta?
Sam LaPorta carries the higher 2026 projection at 197 PPR points (11.6 per game), compared with 130 for Gunnar Helm.
Where are Gunnar Helm and Sam LaPorta being drafted?
Sam LaPorta has an ADP around pick 57 (round 5), while Gunnar Helm goes closer to pick 233 (round 20).
Who is ranked higher, Gunnar Helm or Sam LaPorta?
Expert consensus ranks Sam LaPorta (TE8) ahead of Gunnar Helm (TE25) for 2026.
More comparisons
Verdict blends projections, usage, positional rank, consensus and health. Data via the Sleeper API and FantasyPros consensus, refreshed daily.