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.

Saturday, December 13, 1:02 PM

Although Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth's fantasy value has been almost entirely touchdown-dependent this season, he could see more opportunities than usual on Monday night against the Miami Dolphins. Miami's defense has been strong in recent weeks, but it has still struggled to contain opposing tight ends. On the season, the Dolphins have surrendered the third-most fantasy points per contest to the position. Furthermore, fellow tight end Darnell Washington (concussion) has not yet cleared the league's concussion protocol and should be considered questionable to suit up. While Freiermuth's role has been inconsistent at best, he has been more efficient with his touches than Jonnu Smith. He shouldn't be considered a reliable option in most redraft formats, but Freiermuth could be a sneaky play in deeper fantasy leagues this week.