Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or AJ Barner

Wednesday, November 19, 2:59 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper (concussion) carved out standalone fantasy value in his role behind Hunter Henry last season, but he has failed to establish himself as a worthwhile fantasy addition during the 2025 campaign. He went from the overall TE24 in PPR leagues last year to TE45 through Week 11 this season. The 31-year-old hasn't registered more than three targets in a single game this season, which is a major step backward after he averaged 3.5 targets per game in 2024. While Henry has cemented himself as the Patriots' top tight end and is one reason for Hooper's underwhelming year, the bigger factor is likely the wide receivers' increased productivity. Players like Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte, and Mack Hollins have elevated this position room higher than in years past, leaving fewer opportunities for a backup tight end like Hooper. An injury has complicated his status even more, as Hooper missed Week 11 in concussion protocol and remains up in the air for Week 12 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Even if he plays, he'll remain off the fantasy radar in all leagues. His only path to fantasy relevance would be a Hunter Henry injury.

Friday, November 21, 6:51 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner is worth monitoring in Week 12 against the Tennessee Titans. Barner is coming off a 10-reception, 70-yard game against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 11. He has been inconsistent this season, but he has been a solid fantasy producer more often than not. Seattle projects to have a low passing volume day in Week 12 against a Titans team that has had trouble staying in games this season. However, Barner's target share will be worth monitoring because it could translate to further success later this season. Even so, unless Barner finds the end zone in Week 12 (which he has five times this season) he is unlikely to be particularly useful. If Seattle does indeed lean heavily on the running game this week, most of the passing volume is likely to go to wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Stash Barner through this week and see how he performs.