Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Austin Hooper

Sunday, October 19, 7:15 AM

According to a report from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, tight end Zach Ertz (shoulder/calf) of the Washington Commanders should be available to play against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. The veteran tight end is coming off one of his more productive days of the season last week, catching all six of his targets for 43 yards and a touchdown. Ertz's availability is welcome news for Washington, which is ravaged by wide receiver injuries. With Deebo Samuel (heel) and Terry McLaurin (quadriceps) already ruled out and Noah Brown (groin) still on injured reserve, Ertz should have increased volume, making him a great option for leagues that start more than one tight end.

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.