Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or George Kittle

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.

Tuesday, December 2, 4:36 PM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle led the team with 67 receiving yards in their 26-8 win over the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. Kittle had five targets and tied for the team high with four catches on a day when quarterback Brock Purdy completed just 16 passes. Almost half of his yardage came on San Francisco's last snap of the first half, when Purdy hit Kittle on a 33-yard bomb that set up a chip-shot field goal for Matt Gay before halftime. Kittle finished outside of top-12 territory for the first time since Week 9, but is working on a four-game streak with at least four catches and 67 receiving yards. The 49ers are on bye in Week 14, but will see favorable matchups in the fantasy football playoffs with games against the Titans, Colts, and Bears.