Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tyler Higbee

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 18, 11:56 AM

Los Angeles Rams tight end Tyler Higbee has re-emerged as a potential fantasy option heading into Week 7 against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Higbee is coming off a solid showing in which he caught four passes for 40 yards and a touchdown. Furthermore, the Rams will be without Puka Nacua (ankle) on Sunday, which will put Higbee and Jordan Whittington in line to operate as Matthew Stafford's second-favorite targets behind Davante Adams. Higbee's snap share will likely remain around 60 percent, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him handle at least five targets, giving him a chance to make an impact in fantasy football. He's not a long-term solution in your lineups, but with Nacua sidelined this weekend, Higbee can be a decent streamer. For what it's worth, the Jaguars have allowed the 11th-most receiving yards to tight ends in 2025.