Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in all five of his targets for 64 yards and a touchdown in Monday night's loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old was able to break free for a nifty 26-yard catch-and-run late in the third quarter, but that would be the team's only TD -- and highlight -- of the game. The Vikings' offense fizzled out for the second straight week as quarterback Sam Darnold's late-season collapse continued. It's an unfortunate ending to the season for Minnesota, who won 14 games and was on the brink of a first-round bye. Still, Hockenson can find a silver lining in that he did not re-injure the knee that kept him out of the season's first seven games. He'll now turn to 2025 with uncertainty at quarterback.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a strong play on the road this Monday night against the Los Angeles Rams. The 27-year-old is coming off his worst outing since returning from injured reserve in early November -; totaling two receptions and nine yards on eight targets in Minnesota's loss to the Lions. His output undoubtedly left fantasy managers wanting. However, the poor performance was not wholly his fault, as quarterback Sam Darnold struggled against a Detroit D that was always there to make a play. Hockenson will look to bounce back in the Wild Card round and stands a decent chance to do so against a Rams squad that allowed the third-most fantasy points to the position in 2024 (15.8). His success will hinge on Darnold's ability to rebound after a poor performance of his own, though he's already shown he can do that this season. The Iowa product is RotoBaller's PPR TE2 for this week's slate.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in 2-of-8 targets for nine yards in his team's 31-9 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Lions weren't messing around on Sunday night and were a brick wall on defense for the first time in a few weeks. Hockenson was consistently targeted on third down by quarterback Sam Darnold, but Detroit was there time and time again to break up the pass. It's the Iowa alum's worst outing since his return from injury in a game when the Vikings scored their fewest points of the season. Darnold had pressure in his face all night, and the Lions' defensive backfield was equally impressive in their coverage. Unfortunately for Minnesota, they'll prepare for a road tilt with the Los Angeles Rams next Monday night in lieu of a week off and home-field advantage. LA allowed the sixth-most fantasy points per game to TEs in the regular season, so Hockenson stands a good chance at a productive day during Wild Card Weekend.
T.J. Hockenson A TE1 Despite Stiff Divisional Test
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a tough matchup this Sunday night in a road tilt with the Detroit Lions. Hockenson had a nice total his last time out in a win against the Green Bay Packers, but he'll have a less vulnerable outing in store against a Lions defense that's limited TEs to 9.2 fantasy points per game in 2024 -; the second-fewest. However, it's worth noting that they've let up sizable performances twice over the past three weeks. Detroit just got torched by George Kittle in Week 17 for 112 yards on 8-of-8 receiving and let Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox of the Buffalo Bills combine for six catches and 95 yards two weeks prior. With a 57-point over/under on tap, there should be plenty of opportunities to go around for the veteran. The Iowa alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE7 in Week 18.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson corralled 5-of-6 targets for 68 yards in his team's 27-25 win against the Green Bay Packers. The Iowa product posted his highest yardage total since Week 12, bringing in five receptions for the second time in three outings. It was modest output for him on a day when quarterback Sam Darnold torched the Packers for a career-high 377 yards. Darnold spread the ball around effectively -- hitting five Minnesota pass-catchers for at least four completions. Hockenson hasn't been the impact player he was in the prior two seasons, but he hasn't been invaluable. As of his return in Week 9, the 27-year-old is the PPR TE9 -- registering four top-ten weekly finishes. He'll line up for a meeting with the Detroit Lions in Week 18 that presents massive playoff implications.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will get a vulnerable Week 17 meeting with his division-rival Green Bay Packers. The Iowa product produced another low catch and yardage total in Week 16 (2/27) but picked up at least five targets for the sixth time in eight games since his return from injury. Hockenson looked like he might be rounding into form early in his return but has mostly taken a backseat to wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as QB Sam Darnold's preferred targets. However, he'll square off with an exploitable Packers defense this Sunday that's afforded tight ends 13.4 fantasy points per game this season -; the eleventh-most in the league. Until he picks it up, the 27-year-old is better viewed as a back-end TE1. He ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE8 ahead of Week 17's slate.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 2-of-5 targets in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The sixth-year pro was used sparsely on a day where wide receiver Justin Jefferson commanded most of quarterback Sam Darnold's attention (10/144/2). Otherwise, all other Vikings pass-catchers combined for just 12 receptions and 102 yards against a Seattle defense that hung tough most of the afternoon. It's another disappointing performance for Hockenson. The former Iowa Hawkeye has had two nice games in which he combined for 15 receptions and 186 yards. However, he's recorded only 19 catches and 192 yards in the other six. Things will get a bit easier for him in Week 17 against a Green Bay Packers defense that had allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to TEs ahead of this weekend. For now, though, fantasy managers may want to consider Hockenson as more of a TE2 with upside.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson gets an exploitable matchup this Sunday in a meeting with the Seattle Seahawks. The 27-year-old has been fine -; albeit unspectacular -; over the last few weeks as he rounds into form. Hockenson has had a few nice performances but has mostly been a third option in the Vikes' pass attack behind wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Still, since Week 10, he's been the TE11 in PPR formats. He'll have a sound chance to stay involved against a Seattle defense, allowing 12.9 fantasy points per game to tight ends -; the thirteenth-most in the league. While the ceiling games have yet to be consistent, the Iowa alum is a top option at his position -; clocking in at RotoBaller's PPR TE5 in Week 16's ranks.
T.J. Hockenson Totals 52 Scoreless Yards In Week 15
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson brought in 5-of-7 targets for 52 yards in Monday night's home victory over the Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old couldn't recapture the magic he produced in the two teams' first meeting, but he still put together a fine fantasy performance. While it isn't anything to write home about, he was the third-leading receiver in all statistical categories. Hockenson alternated excellent and subpar performances for a few weeks but has fallen somewhere in the middle over the last two. Between him and wideouts Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, quarterback Sam Darnold is flush with weaponry. However, he has not supported a massive fantasy outing for all three and may never do so, with Minnesota garnering a pass percentage in the league's bottom half. Hockenson will line up against a beatable Seattle Seahawks secondary in Week 16.
T.J. Hockenson Gets A Favorable Spot In Rematch With Bears
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson will look to have another productive day against their division-rival Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football. The former first-round pick has yet to return to form since making his way back from a devastating knee injury, alternating subpar and strong performances. However, his first massive outing of 2024 came back in Week 12 against these very same Chicago Bears. The 27-year-old piled up seven receptions and 112 yards in the November matchup, playing a critical role in the Vikings' late-game push. Chicago is letting up 13.6 fantasy points per game to tight ends -; the eleventh-most in the league. Additionally, the veteran has been over a 62% snap share in each of his last three appearances after not eclipsing 50% in his first three. Hockenson is RotoBaller's PPR TE6 in this week's ranks.
T.J. Hockenson
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Vikings
