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.

Wednesday, February 11, 9:22 AM

Jacksonville Jaguars 25-year-old tight end Brenton Strange is currently being drafted outside of the top 12 at his position in dynasty startups after a 2025 season in which he showed glimpses of taking his game to the next level. After a strong start that saw him catch 19 of 23 targets across his first four weeks, he was slowed by a quad injury that landed him on Injured Reserve and cost him five games. Upon his return, he became an integral part of Liam Coen's expanding offense, closing the year on a 17-game pace of 63 receptions for 816 yards and seven touchdowns, numbers that would have put him right in line with the top five at the position. Entering into year two of Coen's offensive installation, Strange could see his role expanded and his value rise, making the 2023 second-round pick a clear target in dynasty leagues.