Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Kyler Murray

Wednesday, March 13, 12:18 AM

Las Vegas Raiders free-agent tight end Austin Hooper is expected to sign a one-year deal worth up to $4.25 million with the New England Patriots on Wednesday. The veteran tight end will reunite with new Patriots offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt, who was with Hooper with the Cleveland Browns. Hooper made the Pro Bowl two straight years from 2018-19 while with the Atlanta Falcons, but he hasn't been nearly as involved as he was then in the last four seasons with the Browns, Titans and Raiders. In 17 games (nine starts) last year in Vegas, the 29-year-old caught just 25 of 31 targets for 234 yards and no touchdowns. With both Mike Gesicki and Pharaoh Brown now gone, Hooper figures to serve as New England's No. 2 TE behind Hunter Henry in 2024. Unless Henry gets hurt, Hooper is unlikely to have a significant enough role to warrant fantasy consideration in standard-sized leagues.

Monday, January 8, 12:50 AM

In the final game of the 2023 season, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray showcased flashes of his pre-injury brilliance, completing 22 of 30 pass attempts for 262 yards and a touchdown. Adding 33 rushing yards on five attempts, Murray closed the season on a high note, reminiscent of his dual-threat prowess. The 27-year-old's performance in the last two outings reflected his potential for a bounce-back season in 2024. Following his return from ACL surgery in Week 10, Murray struggled to regain his fantasy stud status. However, if he can maintain numbers close to his recent performances, averaging 241.3 passing yards, 29.7 rushing yards per game, and a 6:1 TD: INT ratio, fantasy managers can anticipate a resurgence from the dynamic two-sport athlete.