Who Should I Start? Austin Hooper or Tyler Warren

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.

Monday, November 24, 6:11 AM

Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren caught five of his eight targets for 45 yards in a 23-20 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. Warren led the Colts in targets while tying for the lead in receptions in the close loss. The rookie continues to impress for the Colts as he now has 55 catches for 662 yards and four all-purpose touchdowns in 11 games, earning him weekly consideration as a TE1 in fantasy. He will look to keep it going in Week 13's home matchup against the Houston Texans.