Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mike Gesicki

Saturday, September 20, 2:49 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.

Saturday, October 4, 2:05 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki has taken a major step back after his bounce-back campaign in 2024. Through four games, Gesicki has just six receptions for 46 yards and has been on the field for only 44% of Cincinnati's snaps, trailing Drew Sample (53%) and sharing time with Noah Fant (37%). His highest usage came in Week 4 at 62%, but that was primarily due to Fant missing the game with a concussion. With Fant set to return in Week 5, Gesicki's role should shrink again. The matchup isn't favorable either, as the Bengals face the Detroit Lions, who have allowed the tenth-fewest receptions to tight ends this season. Add in the Bengals' offensive line's struggles, and the Bengals' passing game remains limited without Joe Burrow. Gesicki doesn't hold enough volume or upside to be trusted in fantasy.