Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Juwan Johnson

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.

Saturday, December 13, 1:26 PM

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson caught all four of his targets for 38 yards in Week 14's victory over the Buccaneers. His receptions led the team, and he has now recorded at least four catches or a touchdown in each of his last seven contests. Over his last three games, Johnson ranks as the fourth-most-targeted tight end in the league and has consistently dominated the Saints' tight end room in snap share. However, with the offense leaning more toward the run in Week 14, his snap count dropped to 53%, the second-lowest mark of the season. His lowest snap share came in Week 10 against the Panthers, when he also posted a career-best 92 yards and a touchdown. Expect Johnson to bounce back this week.