Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Noah Gray


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.3 0.0 0.0 1.3 15.1 0.1

Austin Hooper News

Austin Hooper Heading Back to Atlanta

Monday, March 9, 9:40 AM

Free-agent tight end Austin Hooper is signing a one-year, $3.25 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons on Monday, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Hooper was originally drafted by Atlanta in the third round in 2016 out of Stanford. The 31-year-old veteran spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Falcons and was a Pro Bowler with them in 2018 and 2019. He then bounced around with the Cleveland Browns, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New England Patriots. Hooper hasn't been as productive as he was in his final two seasons in Atlanta, and in his return, he'll be a backup to TE Kyle Pitts Sr. In 16 regular-season games (six starts) for the Patriots last year, Hooper had just 21 catches for 263 yards and two touchdowns. Unless Pitts is traded or injured in 2026, Hooper won't be on the fantasy radar in redraft leagues this fall.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
3.6 0.0 0.0 1.5 14.6 0.1

Noah Gray News

Noah Gray Set for Bigger Role in his Sixth Season?

Saturday, July 11, 8:22 AM

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Noah Gray is heading into his sixth year with the team in 2026, and although future Hall of Famer Travis Kelce is back for another season, the 27-year-old could have a bigger role on offense. The former fifth-rounder (162nd overall) in 2021 out of Duke caught 21 of his 37 targets for 178 yards (his fewest since his rookie season) and zero touchdowns in 16 games (six starts). It was a disappointing showing for Gray after he had career highs in catches (40), receiving yards (437) and touchdowns (five) the year before. He's a versatile contributor for the Chiefs, leading all offensive players in 2025 with 125 special teams snaps. Gray can also occasionally contribute a big play on offense, but unless Kelce misses time with injury, which is very possible at his age, he's unlikely to attract much interest in fantasy football. RotoBaller currently has Gray ranked as the No. 38 fantasy TE heading into the 2026 season.


Austin Hooper vs. Noah Gray

Still trying to decide between Hooper and Gray? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Austin Hooper is projected to score 3.3 points this week while Noah Gray is projected to score 3.6 points.