Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, December 21, 12:54 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has been productive over his last five games, totaling 18 catches, 238 yards, and two touchdowns during that span. Even as the Patriots' No. 2 tight end, Hooper has managed to make a name for himself, ranking as the overall TE14 in fantasy points since Week 10. That actually ranks five whole spots higher than fellow Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, despite the fact that Henry has played more snaps than Hooper and has more fantasy points over the whole season. Hooper's rapport with Drake Maye does put him on the fantasy radar this week, but he's still in the mid-to-low TE2 tier. That's especially true as he prepares to take on a Bills defense allowing the ninth-fewest catches, sixth-fewest receptions, and sixth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends in 2024.

Saturday, December 21, 10:16 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely corralled all three of his targets for 29 yards and a touchdown in Saturday's 34-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The third-year pro scored his fifth TD of the season -- matching his career-best mark from a year ago. His score was a nine-yard walk-in off a nifty misdirection in the first quarter. With quarterback Lamar Jackson brandishing low passing volume again, Likely was stuck with another low target-total outing. However, his yardage mark, target, and reception total were third most on the offense behind wide receiver Zay Flowers and fellow tight end Mark Andrews. While the 24-year-old is tough to trust for fantasy, he's flashed his upside when called upon in a featured role. Likely and the Ravens will square off against the Houston Texans next Wednesday in a road tilt.