Best Bet: Sam LaPorta Lifts Lions' Offense

Lions tight end has the potential for a big game.

The Detroit Lions' offense must continue to utilize the young players on the roster. 

While pundits and supporters are focused on running back Jahmyr Gibbs, tight end Sam LaPorta has also steadily improved since he arrived in Motown. 

Detroit's first of two 2023 second-round picks has been reliable in the passing game, but also has been noticed due to his run-blocking efforts. 

"Hats off to (tight ends) coach (Steve) Heiden, but really LaPorta has come in here and he's really taken the playbook by storm. He's all ears. Coach Heiden has done a great job with that in the run game and stuff. Shoot, that's what he did when he played. He had to run-block. He didn't catch too many balls, let's be honest," Lions offensive line coach Hank Fraley said. "So, he can teach 'em. He did a great job. People who have been around here, even in the past, our tight ends, we ask a lot of them in the pass game, protection, run game. He's done a great job with it."

Play Michigan lead writer Drew Ellis sees LaPorta as a player that Detroit will count on offense this week against the Falcons, especially given the fact Ben Johnson's wide receiving unit has players nursing injuries.

Ellis tells All Lions, "The Lions are dealing with injuries on the offensive line and facing an Atlanta defense that likes to pressure the quarterback and blitz. Jared Goff is likely going to need to get the ball out quickly, with the tight end being a good safety valve. LaPorta caught six passes for 63 yards last week, and had five catches for 39 yards in his debut in Kansas City. With Amon-Ra St. Brown and Josh Reynold both nursing injuries, LaPorta may be needed more than ever this week against Atlanta. That is why my best bet this week is LaPorta going over the total of 37.5 yards receiving (-115)."