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 15, 12:31 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson continues to gradually handle an increased workload. The rookie has 10 targets over his last three games, handling at least 30 percent of the offensive snaps in each of those contests. He has primarily operated as a big-play threat, catching four passes for 117 yards during that span (29.3 yards per catch). While Tyler Higbee has remained Los Angeles' most-utilized tight end, Ferguson is not far behind. He appears to be the Rams' tight end of the future, and his receiving skills are among the best in this year's class of rookie tight ends. He's not startable in Week 11 against the Seattle Seahawks, but he should be stashed in all dynasty leagues.