Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Pat Freiermuth

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.

Sunday, December 7, 9:15 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth continues to play less than half of the offensive snaps, and he seems to be third on the tight end pecking order behind both Darnell Washington and Jonnu Smith. Freiermuth was held without a target last Sunday, and he has a modest seven catches over his last four games. The 27-year-old ranks as the overall TE24 so far this season, and his fantasy value has been largely dependent on scoring touchdowns. He has exceeded 6.5 fantasy points (PPR) just three times this year, and it happened in the three games where he scored at least one touchdown. His chances of getting back on track this week are very slim as he takes on the Baltimore Ravens. Baltimore has played strong defense against tight ends in 2025, allowing the seventh-fewest fantasy points to the position. Freiermuth ranks as the overall TE30 in RotoBaller's latest fantasy rankings. He can be avoided in most leagues during Week 14.