Detroit Lions DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) practiced in full for the second straight day this week on Thursday and appears to be on track to playing this Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in his shoulder in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans and was inactive in last Sunday's blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The 23-year-old appears to have healed nicely in the week he had to rest, and barring a setback on Friday, he should be able to play this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. While LaPorta has mostly disappointed fantasy managers in 2024 after leading all TEs in fantasy points in his rookie season, he'll have an opportunity to produce strong numbers against a Colts defense that has allowed the sixth-most half-PPR points per game to the position this year.

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) was estimated as a full participant on Wednesday during the team's walkthrough practice. LaPorta suffered an AC joint sprain in the Week 10 win over the Houston Texans that caused him to miss last week's blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. The week off apparently did the second-year TE well, though, and head coach Dan Campbell is optimistic of LaPorta's chances of returning this Sunday to face the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. All signs are pointing to the 23-year-old's return this weekend, but fantasy managers should have a backup plan just in case. If he returns, LaPorta will be at worst a low-end TE1 for fantasy managers. He certainly hasn't lived up to his high draft stock after finishing as the TE1 in 2023 as a rookie, and he's currently averaging 7.5 half-PPR points, which ranks 16th among TEs in 2024.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that he feels good about tight end Sam LaPorta (shoulder) playing on Sunday versus the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12. As of Wednesday, it's trending in the right direction for LaPorta to suit up after he missed the Week 11 blowout win over the Jacksonville Jaguars due to an AC joint sprain he suffered the week prior. "Questionable to above," Campbell said. It remains to be seen how much LaPorta even practiced on Wednesday, but this is obviously good news for LaPorta's fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has had a sophomore slump in 2024 after leading all TEs in fantasy points a year ago, but he'd certainly at least be a low-end TE1 if he's able to return this weekend to face the Colts. If LaPorta sits a second straight game, backup Brock Wright would once again be in play as a TE2 streamer in fantasy.

Detroit Lions kicker Jake Bates delivered another strong performance in Week 11, converting his lone field goal attempt and all seven extra points in a 52-6 win over the Jaguars. Bates remains perfect on field goals this season, going 15-for-15, while leading the league with 39 extra points on 40 attempts. His consistent production continues to shine as part of Detroit's high-powered offense. Heading into Sunday night, Bates ranks as the K3 for the week and has scored 12 or more fantasy points in four of his last six games. He remains a reliable fantasy starter heading into Week 12 against the Indianapolis Colts.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond caught both of his targets for 30 yards in the team's dominant 52-6 victory over the Jaguars in Week 11. Raymond's role was fairly limited, finishing fifth on the team in receptions. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams commanding the majority of targets, Raymond remains difficult to trust as a fantasy option. Even with Sam LaPorta sidelined, Detroit's crowded offense limits Raymond's opportunities to deliver consistent fantasy value. Raymond should remain on waivers as the Lions are set to play the Indianapolis Colts in Week 12.