Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Cole Kmet

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 20, 7:24 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet (ankle, knee) is officially active for Saturday's Week 16 contest against the Green Bay Packers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after practicing in full on Friday. The 26-year-old has taken on a slightly reduced role during the back half of the season, but he has still logged a snap share north of 60% in each of his last six contests. Through 13 total games this year, he has 24 catches, 301 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, ranking as the overall TE37 in full-PPR leagues. Kmet can be dropped in most redraft formats as he continues to lose targets and snaps to rookie Colston Loveland.