Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mason Taylor

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.

Tuesday, December 2, 5:11 PM

New York Jets rookie tight end Mason Taylor's playing time in the offense has remained steady, but he hasn't been a big factor in the passing game lately. Since scoring his first touchdown of the season in Week 8 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the rookie has recorded just 10 receptions for 76 yards on 15 targets in four games. The Jets' poor offensive environment limits his fantasy upside, and he's been overshadowed by the team's trade-deadline acquisitions of receivers John Metchie III and Adonai Mitchell. The rookie second-rounder still has intriguing upside for the long term, but he will be tough to trust in fantasy lineups with the playoffs approaching in Week 15 in most leagues.