Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Thomas Fidone II

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, August 22, 2:54 AM

New York Giants rookie tight end Thomas Fidone II caught a touchdown on Thursday, August 21, 2025, during the Giants' 42-10 preseason victory over the New England Patriots. Fidone caught four of his five targets for 39 yards, with his longest reception going for 28 yards and averaging 9.8 yards per catch. The rookie seventh-round pick has been flashing potential throughout training camp and is doing his best to make a deep Giants roster at the tight end position. While Fidone is buried on the depth chart right now, his solid performance in the preseason finale gives him a strong case to be added to the 53-man roster.