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Fantasy football: Start-em, sit-em players for Week 1

By Jay Marsdale

NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston
NEW ORLEANS, LA - DECEMBER 24: Jameis Winston /
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HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 19 yard touchdown against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – FEBRUARY 05: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons catches a 19 yard touchdown against Patrick Chung #23 of the New England Patriots in the second quarter during Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Start-em: Austin Hooper (ATL) vs. Bears

Austin Hooper is a tight end I fully expect to surprise people in 2017. Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons need to find ways to get him the ball.

Hooper is entering his second season in the NFL and finished 2016 strong. In his last eight games, and three playoff games, he had 19 catches for 183 yards and three touchdowns — all as the backup tight end.

He is no longer a backup.

The Falcons are going to score points this season, just like last, and Hooper will be right in the middle of it.

The Chicago defense is not what it once was, and Hooper can exploit the middle of the field for some big plays. Week 1 is the perfect time to do it. Grab him in your league if he’s available, because I don’t think he will be much longer.

More options: Jordan Reed (WAS) vs. Philadelphia