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.

Tuesday, December 9, 9:44 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson will return from his team's bye week and look to continue his solid season, working as one of the top targets for Jaxson Dart. Johnson has at least three catches in seven straight games and has totaled 42 catches for 456 yards and five touchdowns in his 13 games this season. He matched his season high with eight targets against the Patriots in his most recent game before the bye week, and he has established a solid rapport with Dart, which makes him one of the best widely available tight end plays in most leagues. Johnson hasn't hit 100 yards in any game yet, but he has posted at least 75 yards in two of his last four games, showing he has a good ceiling to go with his solid PPR floor. The Giants have a favorable schedule the rest of the season, starting this week with a home game against the struggling Commanders.