Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Isaiah Likely

Saturday, September 20, 2:49 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.

Saturday, October 4, 2:36 PM

Baltimore Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely did not see a target in Week 4, his first game of 2025 after undergoing foot surgery in August. Likely is expected to split playing time this season with fellow Ravens tight end Mark Andrews, who has recorded 13 catches for 121 yards and two touchdowns over his last two games. On the bright side, Likely played just five fewer snaps (25) than Andrews (30) in the first game where they were both active. Still, Likely cannot be trusted by fantasy managers in a tough Week 5 matchup against the Houston Texans until he proves he is fully healthy and re-incorporated into the offense.