Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tommy Tremble

Saturday, September 20, 2:49 AM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper has seen increased usage within the team's offense, but it's not enough to justify starting him in fantasy football against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. Hooper's snap share jumped from 32 percent in Week 1 to 62 percent in Week 2, and his pass-catching volume increased, too. The 30-year-old caught all three of his targets for 38 yards last week, out-producing Hunter Henry despite playing fewer snaps than him. Hooper remains the No. 2 tight end on the depth chart behind Henry, but he's still seeing decent playing time, especially in two-tight end sets. This week, Hooper is facing a mid-range Steelers defense that has allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to tight ends. Hooper ranks as RotoBaller's TE41 this week, and he can be benched in most leagues.

Saturday, October 11, 9:43 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble hasn't done much for fantasy managers this season. While he had five catches (eight targets) for 42 yards and a touchdown in the Week 4 loss to the New England Patriots, he has been nearly irrelevant from a production standpoint. Ja'Tavion Sanders (ankle) is listed as questionable heading into the Week 6 meeting with the Dallas Cowboys, so there's a chance he won't be out there once again. Sure, the potential for added involvement should increase Tremble's fantasy potential. Still, even if Sanders remains sidelined, fantasy managers will be taking a gamble by rolling with the 25-year-old as their starting tight end for the favorable matchup with the Cowboys. especially with Xavier Legette in the mix.