Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Chig Okonkwo

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.

Saturday, December 6, 5:10 PM

Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo hasn't emerged as a consistent fantasy option in his fourth season, recording 39 receptions for 406 yards on 51 targets, and is still looking for his first touchdown through 12 games. Okonkwo has been sharing snaps with rookie tight end Gunnar Helm, who ran more routes than Okonkwo for the first game this season in Week 13 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Even in a Titans offense that has arguably the worst wide receiver group in the league with Calvin Ridley (leg) out for the season, Okonkwo hasn't emerged as a go-to target for rookie quarterback Cameron Ward. The 26-year-old tight end carries limited upside headed into Sunday's matchup against the Cleveland Browns and should be viewed as a TE3 option.