When it comes to fantasy football, Hunter Henry fantasy value is a topic that keeps popping up among managers. Henry, the tight end for the New England Patriots, has been a popular pick in many fantasy leagues over the past few seasons. His ability to score touchdowns and be a reliable red-zone target makes him a name worth knowing for fantasy players. But how much should you trust Hunter Henry in your lineup this year?
In this article, we will break down Hunter Henry’s fantasy outlook, his strengths, weaknesses, and how he fits into different fantasy football strategies. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned manager, this guide will help you decide if Hunter Henry is the right fit for your team.
Who is Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry is a tight end who began his NFL career with the Los Angeles Chargers before moving to the New England Patriots. Drafted in 2016, Henry quickly gained attention for his solid route running, soft hands, and ability to make plays in the red zone. Standing at 6’5”, he is a big-bodied target who defenses often struggle to cover, especially near the goal line.
For fantasy players, Henry has always been known as a “touchdown-dependent” option. That means his fantasy value often comes from his ability to score, rather than piling up yards like other top-tier tight ends.
Hunter Henry’s Fantasy Strengths
One of Henry’s biggest strengths is his role in the red zone. The Patriots have relied on him heavily when they get close to the end zone. This increases his chances of scoring touchdowns, which are valuable in fantasy football.
Other strengths include:
- Consistency in Targets: While not the top pass-catcher on his team, Henry often gets steady targets each week.
- Touchdown Upside: His size and skill make him a strong red-zone weapon.
- Veteran Experience: Henry has years of experience in the NFL, which makes him a reliable option compared to younger, less proven tight ends.
Hunter Henry’s Fantasy Weaknesses
Every player has drawbacks, and fantasy managers should know Henry’s weaknesses before drafting him:
- Touchdown Dependence: If Henry does not score, his fantasy output can be very low.
- Injury Concerns: Throughout his career, he has had injuries that limited his playing time.
- Patriots’ Offensive Struggles: New England’s offense has not been dominant in recent years, which sometimes lowers Henry’s opportunities.
These weaknesses mean that while Henry can be a solid option, he may not be the most consistent tight end to rely on every week.
Hunter Henry Fantasy Outlook for This Season
So what does this season look like for Hunter Henry? Many experts project him as a mid-to-low TE1 or a strong TE2 in fantasy rankings. This means he’s good enough to start in many leagues but might not reach the elite level of players like Travis Kelce or Mark Andrews.
If you are in a standard 12-team league, Henry is usually available in the middle-to-late rounds of drafts. He can be a valuable pick if you miss out on the top tight ends and want a player with solid touchdown potential.
Best League Formats for Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry fits better in certain fantasy formats than others:
- Standard Scoring Leagues: Henry shines more in standard scoring since touchdowns are highly valuable.
- Half-PPR Leagues: He can still be useful but may not be as strong compared to tight ends who catch more passes.
- Best-Ball Leagues: Henry is a great best-ball option because you don’t need to worry about his low weeks. His big games will automatically count.
In full PPR leagues, where receptions are more valuable, Henry’s role may be less appealing since he usually doesn’t rack up high catch totals.
Draft Strategy for Hunter Henry
If you’re targeting Hunter Henry, here are some draft strategies to keep in mind:
- Wait on Tight End: If you decide not to pick an elite TE early, Henry is a good value in the later rounds.
- Pair with Another TE: Consider drafting Henry along with another mid-tier tight end, so you have options each week.
- Stack with Patriots QB: If you believe in the Patriots’ offense improving, stacking Henry with their quarterback could give you a boost.
Hunter Henry vs. Other Tight Ends
When comparing Henry to other tight ends in his range, he often stands out for his touchdown potential. For example:
- Compared to Dalton Schultz: Schultz may catch more passes, but Henry usually has more red-zone upside.
- Compared to Cole Kmet: Both have similar roles, but Henry’s veteran experience gives him more trust in key situations.
- Compared to Gerald Everett: Everett may get more explosive plays, but Henry is more reliable near the goal line.
Injury History and Concerns
One of the main reasons fantasy managers hesitate on Henry is his injury history. He has missed games in multiple seasons, including serious injuries earlier in his career. While he has been healthier in recent years, there is always some risk in drafting him.
That being said, most fantasy players understand that injuries are part of the game. Henry is worth the risk at the right draft value.
What Experts Say About Hunter Henry Fantasy Value
Fantasy analysts often place Henry in the TE10–TE15 range. This means he is not elite but still a solid starter or strong backup. Most experts agree that Henry’s fantasy ceiling depends on whether the Patriots’ offense improves and gives him more chances in the red zone.
Conclusion
Hunter Henry fantasy value is all about understanding his role. He is not a high-volume pass-catcher, but he is one of the best red-zone options for his team. That makes him a reliable touchdown scorer, which is very useful in fantasy football.
If you need a tight end in the middle or later rounds of your draft, Hunter Henry is a solid choice. He may not carry your team every week, but he can be the difference-maker in close matchups, especially when he scores. Just make sure you pair him with other reliable players to balance out his boom-or-bust nature.
FAQs
Q1: Is Hunter Henry a good fantasy football pick?
Yes, Hunter Henry is a good value pick in the middle-to-late rounds. He is especially strong in standard scoring leagues where touchdowns matter most.
Q2: Should I draft Hunter Henry as my TE1?
If you miss out on elite options, Henry can be your TE1, but it’s safer to have a backup in case of injuries or low-scoring weeks.
Q3: Is Hunter Henry better in PPR or standard leagues?
Henry is better in standard scoring because his value comes from touchdowns rather than receptions.
Q4: Can Hunter Henry finish as a top-10 tight end this season?
Yes, if the Patriots’ offense improves and Henry stays healthy, he has the potential to finish inside the top 10 tight ends.
Q5: What is Hunter Henry’s biggest fantasy risk?
The biggest risks are his touchdown dependence and injury history. If he doesn’t score, his weekly output can be low.
