Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Brenton Strange

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.

Monday, December 8, 12:03 PM

Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Brenton Strange could churn out just 27 yards on 3-of-6 receiving in Sunday's 36-19 home win over the Indianapolis Colts. Strange took a slight step back in the yardage department this past weekend, but was still decently involved in Jacksonville's game plan, tying two other pass-catchers for second on the team with his opportunity share. Fantasy managers may quibble with the Penn State product's meager output. However, he's been decently involved all year, quietly ranking third on the team in receiving yards (369) despite missing five complete games. The Jaguars' pass attack features a few too many mouths to feed, but only WR Jakobi Meyers appears to be separating from the rest of the pack. Fantasy managers with tight end trouble can look to the 24-year-old as a strong option at the position, especially if teammate Parker Washington (hip) is inactive for a second straight game.