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, December 2, 7:59 PM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has earned a bigger role in the offense ever since his 118-yard performance in Week 9. Since then, Loveland has finished with 40 receiving yards in every game but one. Last week, Loveland saw six targets, which was the second-highest total of the year during the win over the Philadelphia Eagles. The 21-year-old figures to remain a consistent part of the passing game ahead of the Week 14 matchup against the Green Bay Packers. Loveland is on the TE1/2 borderline in fantasy football as he sees more involvement in Chicago's passing game, but he faces a difficult matchup this weekend. Green Bay has allowed the fewest half-PPR points to TEs in the last three games.