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.

Monday, October 27, 9:16 PM

Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Cade Otton started off the season by posting some dubs, but has turned it around lately. Over the last four games, Otton has hauled in four receptions or more in every game. The 26-year-old has also finished with 40 receiving yards or more in all of those contests. The Bucs are extremely shorthanded with multiple playmakers out for the foreseeable future. That being said, Otton figures to continue seeing the ball coming his way during the second half of the season. The Bucs head into a bye in Week 9, but Otton should be a viable TE2 in the second half.