Who Should I Start? Darren Waller or Austin Hooper

Friday, November 13, 3:13 PM

Carolina Panthers tight end Darren Waller put together a fantastic performance as the overall TE1 in Week 9 against the Broncos, catching eight passes for 90 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets, the most targets he has drawn in a game since 2023. The three weeks prior to Week 9, Waller had only been targeted two times a game, so it is tough to project Waller to continue with such great involvement. However, the Panthers' Week 10 opponent, the New Orleans Saints, have allowed 16.4 fantasy points per game (seventh in the league) and five touchdowns in eight games to opposing tight ends. Waller has the opportunity to take advantage, similar to Week 9, of a soft defense matchup for tight ends. While it is not likely that Waller receives as many targets, he projects as a TE2, with upside for more if he can get into the end zone, as he has already done four times this year. Fantasy managers in tight end premium leagues can consider Waller in Week 10, but in standard leagues, Waller should probably remain on the bench unless in a pinch, as RotoBaller's TE20.