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 18, 4:57 PM

Chicago Bears rookie tight end Colston Loveland has seen his role in the offense increase lately, playing at least 60% of the snaps in all but one game since their Week 5 bye. Loveland had his breakout game in Week 9 against the Bengals, catching six of seven targets for 118 yards and two touchdowns. The production has been more modest in the past two weeks, with seven catches for 95 yards on eight targets, but he posted a 75.3% snap share in Week 11 against the Vikings, his highest in a game this season with Cole Kmet active. That number was still a tick behind Kmet for the week, with him playing 78.1% of the snaps, so he isn't overtaking Kmet necessarily, but Chicago used more two-tight-end sets to get them both on the field. The 10th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft has looked dynamic with his opportunities this season and should continue to see more reps, but it is still a crowded offense that will run the ball a lot. Loveland is a great player to roster because of his talent and increased role, but is still tough to trust in lineups for now.