Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Jonnu Smith

Sunday, January 5, 10:23 PM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught four of his six targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The veteran tight end handled an increased workload in the regular-season finale, playing 67.2 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps with Hunter Henry (foot) sidelined. The 30-year-old finished as a low-end TE2 in fantasy football this season with 45 catches, 476 yards, and three touchdowns. Hooper was a pleasant surprise during his first year in New England, maintaining a significant role on offense despite being listed second on the depth chart behind Henry. He's slated to hit free agency in March but could be a priority re-signing for the Patriots' next coaching regime.

Monday, January 6, 10:34 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith caught nine of 12 targets for 56 yards in their 32-20 season finale loss to the New York Jets. Smith was a huge bright spot for the Dolphins offense in the second half of the season after Tua Tagovailoa returned from his discussion. In the postgame press conference, he admitted that players were watching the scoreboard and saw the Denver Broncos pummeling the Kansas City Chiefs, crushing their playoff hopes. With the 29-year-old on a one-year deal, his future with the Dolphins is uncertain, but his performance and reliability can't go unnoticed. If he returns to Miami next season, he will surely be a top TE option for fantasy drafts in 2025.