Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dawson Knox

Sunday, March 9, 8:57 PM

The New England Patriots are re-signing veteran tight end Austin Hooper to a one-year, $5 million deal with a max value of $7 million. Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler, notched 45 receptions and 476 yards with New England a season ago, his highest marks since his 2021 stint with the Cleveland Browns. While he began the 2024 season cold, the 30-year-old picked it up over the back half -- racking up four catches in five of his last seven appearances as then-rookie signal-caller Drake Maye got acclimated to the NFL. The Stanford product played second fiddle to fellow tight end Hunter Henry last season and figures to do so again if his teammate stays healthy, as the latter out-paced the former handily in snaps (835-575) despite playing in one fewer contest. It's possible Hooper returns some TE2 value this upcoming season, but he's better off left to waivers until he proves otherwise.

Sunday, January 5, 9:37 AM

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox hasn't been able to much on the field this season. In fact, Knox has two receptions or less in each of the last five games. The 28-year-old is now the backup tight end with Dalton Kincaid emerging as the top option in Buffalo. Knox has fallen back on the pecking order with the Bills having a handful of viable receiving options. That being said, Knox won't be much of a fantasy option for the Week 18 matchup against the New England Patriots. Possibly, Knox gets more chances if the Bills rest some starters, but fantasy managers should look elsewhere for help this weekend.