Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dalton Kincaid

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.

Saturday, December 20, 10:55 AM

Despite missing practice on Wednesday and Thursday, Buffalo Bills tight end Dalton Kincaid (hamstring) is off the injury report and slated to play against the Cleveland Browns. Despite fighting through hamstring injuries throughout the season, Kincaid has had a breakout year, hauling in 36 of 45 targets for 523 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. He has averaged 11.8 PPR fantasy points per game, ranking 10th among tight ends this season. He faces the Cleveland Browns in Week 16, who have ranked in the middle of the pack against tight ends this season. Despite his breakout season in Buffalo, Kincaid is a risky TE1 this week against the Browns.