Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mike Gesicki

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.

Saturday, January 4, 11:50 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had eight catches for 68 yards in Saturday's victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran hasn't been consistent during the 2024-25 campaign. Yet, after catching 10 passes for 86 yards in the overtime win over the Broncos, he had another potent showing in Week 18. Gesicki signed a one-year deal to join the Bengals during the offseason. It's likely the team will look to bring him back, considering he was starting to build rapport with quarterback Joe Burrow. Either way, Gesicki is worth monitoring in fantasy drafts heading into next season, although he may benefit the most from a statistical standpoint by remaining in Cincinnati.