Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dalton Schultz

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, December 12, 10:48 PM

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz has racked up 62 catches this season but only scored one touchdown, making him a deep-league PPR option but not a reliable, regular starter in standard-sized leagues. Schultz had three catches on four targets for 22 yards last week against the Chiefs, and he has at least three catches in all but two of his games this season. His only touchdown came against the Jaguars from Davis Mills, but C.J. Stroud looks his way often on short-yardage targets as well. His consistent volume gives him a high floor, but his ceiling is limited since he hasn't scored as many touchdowns. Schultz is the No. 17 TE this week in RotoBaller's rankings, as he faces the Cardinals, who have allowed six touchdowns and an average of 61 yards per game to tight ends this season. Even with a boost from the matchup, Schultz is better used as a TE2 than a starter in standard-sized leagues this week.