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.

Friday, February 13, 8:47 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Terrance Ferguson took a while to get going, but he finally found a groove near the end of his rookie campaign. He had just five catches through the first four weeks, operating as the third or fourth option on the depth chart behind Tyler Higbee, Colby Parkinson, and sometimes Davis Allen. However, he saw his snap share jump to a season-high 78% in Week 15, and over his next three games, he totaled six catches for 93 yards and a pair of touchdowns. With Tyler Higbee headed for free agency, it seems like Ferguson has a real chance to step up as the Rams' 1B tight end alongside Parkinson next year. It may be a bit early to pursue him in redraft leagues, but he's trending up as an intriguing buy in dynasty formats.