Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Isaiah Likely

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, February 17, 11:38 AM

The Baltimore Ravens haven't made progress in their efforts to sign impending free-agent tight end Isaiah Likely to a contract extension, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. Meanwhile, fellow TE Mark Andrews signed a four-year, $56 million contract with the team in September of 2021. Zrebiec writes that it will be very tough for the Ravens to have two guys making top-eight TE money with all their other needs. The 25-year-old Likely had a disappointing fourth year in the NFL in 2025, catching 27 of his 36 targets for a career-low 307 yards and only one touchdown in 14 games. He never really got on track after injuring his foot in training camp last summer. The good news for him is that his disappointing campaign is unlikely to impact his market in free agency this offseason. Likely is versatile and can be a significant weapon in the passing game, but he hasn't been able to stand out in fantasy in Baltimore with Andrews also involved. A change of scenery could be what Likely needs to take the next step.