Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Ja'Tavion Sanders

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.

Friday, November 28, 11:36 PM

Ja'Tavion Sanders was a complete afterthought in the Panthers' passing game in Week 12. The Carolina TE caught his only target, which resulted in six yards. For the first time since Week 8, Sanders played the most snaps of all Panthers TEs at 57%. In nine games played this year, Sanders has averaged 4.7 PPR Points Per Game. Week 13 brings a decent matchup for Sanders against the Los Angeles Rams, who rank 19th in the league in Fantasy Points Per Game allowed to TEs. However, Sanders will not be able to take advantage of the draw. In 25 games played in two seasons in his NFL career, Sanders has caught one single TD pass, a prime stat that signifies why he is not on the fantasy radar for Week 13.