Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tanner Conner

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.

Thursday, October 30, 10:23 AM

In the TE3 range for Week 9, Miami Dolphins tight end Tanner Conner should not be considered a starting option when Miami takes on the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday Night Football. The fourth-year tight end is playing more with Darren Waller (pectoral) on injured reserve, but isn't earning nearly enough work in the passing game to be relied upon in a fantasy lineup. Despite Waller missing significant chunks of the season, Conner has played more than half of Miami's snaps only once in eight weeks and has yet to catch more than two passes in a game this season. As Miami leans on receiver Jaylen Waddle, running back De'Von Achane, and receiver Malik Washington for the majority of its targets, there isn't enough receiving opportunity for Conner to be a fantasy option.