Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Harold Fannin Jr.

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.

Sunday, December 14, 7:50 PM

Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. hauled in seven of his 14 targets for 48 yards during Sunday's 31-3 loss to the Chicago Bears. For the second straight week, Fannin led the team in receptions and targets, and he had one carry for two yards. The Cleveland offense struggled to gain its footing in Chicago, but the dependable rookie tight end continues to provide fantasy managers with a safe PPR floor. Fannin has a tough matchup against the Buffalo Bills' defense in Week 16, which has allowed the fewest points to tight ends this season. However, with David Njoku (knee) still dealing with an injury, Fannin is postured to remain a focal point and an offense that is engineering touches for him.