Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Evan Engram

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, November 21, 10:33 AM

Across 10 games this season, Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram has recorded 32 catches for 260 yards and one touchdown on 50 targets. While the 31-year-old's role in the Denver offense as a short-area target has remained fairly stable for most of the 2025 season, he hasn't factored in the red zone and brings almost no explosive ability to the table at this point in his career. Despite earning at least five targets in six out of 10 contests, Engram has yet to crack 42 receiving yards in a game. Denver also has a deep cast of talented pass-catchers between wide receivers Courtland Sutton, Troy Franklin, and Marvin Mims Jr. The Broncos have their bye week in Week 12 before a Week 13 matchup against the Washington Commanders. However, even in a favorable matchup against the struggling Washington defense, Engram will be tough to trust as a starting fantasy tight end in Week 13.