Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Dawson Knox

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, January 2, 8:45 PM

Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (knee) doesn't carry an injury designation into Sunday's Week 18 matchup versus the New York Jets. Knox was limited during the first two days of practice, but he was a full-go during Friday's session. He's ready to go and could see an increased role in the offense with Dalton Kincaid (knee) currently listed as questionable to suit up. Knox hauled in all five of his targets for 30 yards with Kincaid on the sideline last week in the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Fantasy managers should expect a similar target share for Knox this weekend, assuming Kincaid is unable to go. His value might actually increase given how bad the Jets' defense has been this season. Knox remains in the TE2 conversation for this Week 18 contest.