Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Cade Otton

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, November 9, 7:39 AM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has seen his involvement in the offense increase over recent weeks. During the first four weeks, Otton was a dud, including two games where he was held without a catch. Since then, Otton has become a viable fantasy option and figures to keep doing that in Week 10. Coming into this game, Otton has at least four receptions or more and 40-plus receiving yards in each of his last four contests. The Bucs continue to be shorthanded on offense and Otton has stepped up and delivered for them. Fantasy managers should continue to ride with Otton as a TE2 for the upcoming matchup against the New England Patriots.