Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or AJ Barner

Saturday, September 20, 2:49 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.

Sunday, October 12, 5:31 PM

Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner continues to put himself on the map in 2025. Barner only earned three targets in Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars; however, he caught all three for 71 yards, including a 61-yard reception. Barner has been a difficult player to assess this season. He has accumulated TE1 numbers for the season. However, Barner has earned three or fewer targets in every game but one this season. Most of Barner's fantasy production has been buoyed by his four touchdown receptions in six games. Barner's volume is not prescriptive for sustained fantasy success, but he continues to get the job done more often than not. Still, given his relative lack of volume, fantasy managers should proceed with caution with Barner until his role grows. The Seahawks clearly love Barner as an every-down player and red zone threat, but touchdowns are difficult to bank on each week.