Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Ben Sinnott

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.

Saturday, September 20, 11:33 AM

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott could be in line to see more snaps in Week 3 against the Raiders with tight end John Bates (groin) out. Sinnott has operated as Washington's third tight end since being drafted in the second round of last year's draft, but he has a chance to see a career high in snaps this week. Sinnott only played three snaps total and caught one ball for eight yards with Bates injured in Week 2's loss to the Packers, and how often he plays in Week 3 will be telling for the second-year tight end. He's not a direct replacement for Bates because he's not as good a blocker at the point of attack, but he is solid at blocking on the move and is an excellent athlete. There could be some specific packages for Sinnott against the Raiders, and getting a real look at him in game action will be noteworthy for his dynasty value. But he isn't on radars in redraft leagues for Week 3.