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.

Monday, December 8, 11:39 AM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland hauled in 4-of-5 passes for 29 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 28-21 divisional loss to the Green Bay Packers. The rookie was again productive, recording his eighth straight outing with at least four targets. There are quite a few mouths to feed in Chicago's offensive attack, and Loveland hasn't exactly overtaken veteran Cole Kmet in terms of playing time. That said, the former has out-targeted (31-16), out-caught (24-13), and out-gained (319-138) the latter cumulatively since Week 9. It's too early to call for a changing of the guard at the position in Chicago, but fantasy managers in need of help at TE can give the 21-year-old a chance on waivers, particularly if teammate Rome Odunze (foot) is made to miss another game.