Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Sam LaPorta

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.

Friday, November 7, 9:46 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta had his best game of the 2025 season in Week 9, recording six catches for 97 yards and a touchdown on eight targets against the Minnesota Vikings. The 24-year-old's production has been trending upwards in recent weeks. Across his last four outings, LaPorta has hauled in 19 catches for 259 yards and three touchdowns on 23 targets. He appears to be emerging as the clear number two option in the Detroit passing game behind star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown. LaPorta has a favorable matchup on paper in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders. Washington ranks last in the NFL in yards per pass attempt allowed (8.8) and 29th in passing touchdowns allowed (19) through nine weeks. LaPorta profiles as a clear starting-caliber fantasy tight end in Week 10.