Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tyler Higbee

Sunday, January 5, 10:23 PM

New England Patriots tight end Austin Hooper caught four of his six targets for 27 yards during Sunday's Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The veteran tight end handled an increased workload in the regular-season finale, playing 67.2 percent of the Patriots' offensive snaps with Hunter Henry (foot) sidelined. The 30-year-old finished as a low-end TE2 in fantasy football this season with 45 catches, 476 yards, and three touchdowns. Hooper was a pleasant surprise during his first year in New England, maintaining a significant role on offense despite being listed second on the depth chart behind Henry. He's slated to hit free agency in March but could be a priority re-signing for the Patriots' next coaching regime.

Sunday, January 19, 9:28 PM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee suffered a catastrophic knee injury in last year's Wild Card game, but this year he had a triumphant return at the end of the season and finished the season with a big game against the Eagles. He hauled in a team-high seven catches while finishing second on the team with 10 targets. He finished with 54 receiving yards and a touchdown in the Rams' 28-22 defeat at the hands of the Eagles. Higbee had five catches for over 50 yards last week against the Vikings and scored two touchdowns in his three regular-season games. Higbee has one year remaining on his current deal and will look to be a more regular contributor all season next year. From what he showed once he came back, the 32-year-old has the potential to be a top-10 TE if he remains in the same role in 2025.