Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Josh Oliver

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.

Sunday, October 5, 2:08 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Josh Oliver scored a touchdown for the second time in three weeks, finishing with two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown in the Vikings' 21-17 victory against Cleveland. The blocking-focused tight end was the secret weapon on a trick play, leaking through the Browns' defense with backup running back Cam Akers in a Wildcat look, which led to a 32-yard scoring connection for the Vikings' first touchdown. Oliver nearly had a second score, but was tackled inside the five on his only other catch. He remains an unpredictable, touchdown-dependent play, but deserves some roster consideration in deeper formats.