Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Colston Loveland

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.

Tuesday, November 25, 9:46 AM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has emerged as a big piece of the offense over the last few weeks and had another positive performance in Week 12 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording four catches for 49 yards and a touchdown on five targets. Loveland is operating in close to a full-time role, playing at least 60% of the snaps in six straight games and totaling 23 receptions (29 targets) for 324 yards and three touchdowns. He has the third most PPR points in that span (73.4), only behind George Kittle and Trey McBride. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft is a dynamic receiving option and a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses at the tight end position. His role should only continue to expand in an explosive Bears offense. Loveland will rank as a borderline TE1 for Black Friday's matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles.