Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Mike Gesicki

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.

Monday, December 8, 12:35 AM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki scored his first touchdown of the season while also recording a season high in receptions and receiving yards, hauling in all six of his targets for 86 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's loss to the Buffalo Bills. Gesicki hasn't played a big role in Cincinnati's offense this season, but he has been surging recently and tied receiver Tee Higgins for the team lead in receptions in Sunday's shootout with the Bills in the snow. The 30-year-old has totaled 12 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown on 16 targets over the past three games. In Cincinnati's high-volume passing offense with quarterback Joe Burrow back in the fold, Gesicki could be in for a productive end to the season as the No. 3 option behind Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase.