Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Elijah Arroyo

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, November 15, 3:51 PM

Through the first nine games of his NFL career, Seattle Seahawks rookie tight end Elijah Arroyo has recorded 14 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown on 20 targets. While Arroyo has flashed upside, his production ceiling is limited as he splits snaps with fellow Seahawks tight end AJ Barner. The Seahawks have a difficult matchup in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Rams. Through 10 weeks, the Rams defense is allowing the seventh-fewest (6.6) yards per pass attempt in the NFL. Arroyo has not recorded more than five targets or four catches in any game this season, and he appears unlikely to surpass those marks against Los Angeles. Fantasy managers should avoid starting Arroyo in Week 11 against the Rams.