Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or George Kittle

Monday, December 2, 2:38 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught all four of his targets for 42 yards and one touchdown during Sunday's Week 13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Hooper now has a touchdown in each of his last two games. He also has four targets in each of his last four contests, ranking as the overall TE8 during that span (and eight slots ahead of teammate Hunter Henry). The 30-year-old has continued to develop his rapport with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, and he has plenty of momentum heading into the Patriots' bye week. It's tough to trust a backup tight end in fantasy football, but if there's one worth starting, it's Hooper. He'll rank as a mid-to-low fantasy TE2 when the Patriots return to action in Week 15.

Monday, December 2, 2:02 AM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle nearly ghosted fantasy managers in a 35-10 loss to the Bills in a snowy Orchard Park on Sunday night. The leader in half-PPR points per game at tight end had his worst game of the season, finishing with one reception on two targets for seven yards. Kittle's feeble output probably has little to do with Kittle himself, as the entire 49ers offense was behind the eight-ball from the start. The snow, the offensive line injuries, and running back Christian McCaffrey leaving early were never likely to lead to great offensive numbers for any 49ers. There is not a lot to be done from a fantasy perspective besides flush this one. Kittle will get the Chicago Bears in a neutral matchup at home in Week 14, where he'll once again be a must-start.