FanDuel NFL 2018: Thanksgiving Lineup

ATLANTA, GA - NOVEMBER 18: Dallas Cowboys Running Back Ezekiel Elliott (21) rushes the ball during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Atlanta Falcons on November 18, 2018, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga.(Photo by Jeffrey Vest/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – NOVEMBER 11: Atlanta Falcons tight end Austin Hooper (81) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of the National Football League game between the Atlanta Falcons and Cleveland Browns on November 11, 2018, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Tight End: Austin Hooper, Atlanta Falcons- $5,800

As mentioned earlier, New Orleans’ secondary is one of the worst units in the league and that is one of the main reasons why Hooper is getting the nod on Thanksgiving.

Through 10 games, Hooper has caught 50 receptions for 445 yards and three scores. Amongst the position group, Hooper is tied for the third most receptions. The only two tight ends who have recorded more receptions are Travis Kelce (57) and Zach Ertz (77).

In Hooper’s last two games he has been targeted at least eight times. He is averaging 9.5 targets and seven receptions during that stretch. Last week against the Cowboys, Hooper was held under 40 yards for the first time since Week 4.

On average, Hooper is scoring 8.95 fantasy points per game. Compared to the other available tight ends playing on Thanksgiving, Hooper is averaging the second most fantasy points per game. The only player that is averaging more is Trey Burton, who costs $6,400.

Hooper, who is priced at $5,800, is the third most expensive tight end available. Washington’s Jordan Reed and Burton both cost more. The one thing that all three of these tight ends have in common is how inconsistent they have been this season.

Burton hasn’t recorded double digit fantasy numbers since Week 7 against the New England Patriots. Before Reed’s Week 11 performance, he has only had one game in which he eclipsed 10+ fantasy points.

Because of the Saints’ struggle against the pass, it’s worth taking a gamble on Hooper. By spending less at the tight end position, you can afford two top running backs.