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.

Friday, February 20, 9:20 AM

Across 16 games as a rookie in 2025, Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland recorded 58 receptions for 713 yards and six touchdowns on 82 targets. Loveland's season-long numbers are strong, but the 21-year-old truly took off down the stretch of the season. Including the playoffs, Loveland hauled in 39 catches for 500 yards and three scores on 63 targets over his final seven contests. Loveland showed off an improved chemistry with Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, and could be primed for a superstar breakout in his second NFL season. Between wide receivers DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden III, Chicago has plenty of capable pass-catchers who could provide significant target competition for Loveland. Still, the young tight end should be a focus of his team's offense and could dominate playing time at his position in 2026 if the Bears move on from veteran tight end Cole Kmet over the offseason. Loveland profiles as an elite fantasy tight end in dynasty formats after his rookie campaign.