Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Cade Otton

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.

Friday, December 26, 3:29 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton has made a minimal impact in the passing attack during the second half of the season. When the Bucs were banged up, Otton was getting double-digit targets some weeks, but that's not the case anymore. The return of receivers Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan has basically put an end to Otton's streaming value. The fourth-year tight end has been held to under 25 receiving yards in four straight games. It's tough to imagine anything changing during the upcoming Week 17 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. There should be better streaming options at the tight end position available for fantasy championship games this weekend.