Who Should I Start? Zach Ertz or Austin Hooper

Friday, November 28, 9:27 PM

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz has recorded exactly four receptions in four games in a row and continues to be a solid contributor in his age-35 season. Since recording zero receptions in Week 5 against the Los Angeles Chargers for the first time in a game since 2014, Ertz has collected 25 receptions (36 targets) for 238 yards and two touchdowns. His 25 receptions are tied for the 12th most among tight ends during that span. The veteran hasn't found the end zone since Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys, and remains a lower-ceiling fantasy option due to his lack of explosiveness, but he has a stable floor as a reliable option in Washington's passing attack. Ertz has a tough matchup in Week 13 against an elite Denver Broncos defense and ranks as RotoBaller's TE17 in PPR leagues.

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.