Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Terrance Ferguson

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, November 22, 4:46 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson has an opportunity to ascend into a larger role during Sunday's Week 12 contest against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ferguson has struggled to carve out a significant snap share this season, but he could make that leap this week after Tyler Higbee (ankle) was placed on injured reserve. The rookie will likely operate as the Rams' No. 2 tight end behind Colby Parkinson, primarily serving as a big-yardage threat downfield. He has five catches on 11 targets this season, and he's averaging a whopping 27.6 yards per reception. The 22-year-old hasn't produced these big catches consistently enough to warrant starting him in fantasy football, but he's inching closer to a fantasy-relevant role with Higbee now sidelined. In the short term, Ferguson ranks as the overall TE34 in RotoBaller's Week 12 fantasy rankings.