Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Theo Johnson

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, 10:23 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson should earn increased opportunities in Week 11 with wide receiver Darius Slayton (hamstring) sidelined. Johnson will likely serve as Jameis Winston's No. 2 target behind Wan'Dale Robinson on Sunday against the Green Bay Packers. He occupied a similar role last week; as Slayton missed part of the game due to injury, Johnson stepped up with a 97 percent snap share, eight targets, seven catches, and 75 yards. He has emerged as the overall TE13 in PPR leagues during his second pro season, and he has a good chance at cracking the top-12 with his increased workload this week. Managers should feel very comfortable starting Johnson, especially against a Packers defense allowing the seventh-most receptions and ninth-most touchdowns to opposing tight ends in 2025.