Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Jonnu Smith

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, 10:00 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith has been one of the most consistent players in all fantasy football over the last several weeks. The 29-year-old is ranked as the TE4 and has seen incredible volume down the stretch. He has touchdowns in four of the previous five games and eight or more targets in four of the last five. However, Week 16 presents a difficult matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, who have been stout against tight ends. They rank 2nd in fantasy points allowed to tight ends per game and allow the least yards per game to the position. With linebacker Dre Greenlaw questionable, that could present even more problems for Smith. With the injuries to Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) and Jaylen Waddle (knee), Smith should command plenty of looks this week. He is still a TE1 and should be started in all formats. He ranks as the TE4 in the Week 16 RotoBaller rankings.