TJ Hockenson has been one of the most consistent and reliable tight ends as far as fantasy production his entire career. Following one of his best seasons to date, he could very much find himself amongst the best yet again. Hockenson plays for the Minnesota Vikings and while there is speculation about his production due to the exit of QB1 Kirk Cousins in the offseason, he should regardless be a target in the middle rounds of fantasy this season.
With the exit of long-tenured quarterback Cousins, the Vikings looked to the draft and free agency to fill the empty spot on the depth chart. JJ McCarthy, who was selected with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, is expected to be the future of the organization. While he will still have to compete with free-agent signing Sam Darnold for the starting spot, McCarthy is expected to see the field soon. No matter who is under center, Hockenson should find a way to thrive. Whether it be as a safety blanket when his quarterbacks are in trouble, or as the explosive playmaker he has been in the past, he will be a big part of the Minnesota offense.
TJ Hockenson Fantasy Upside
On the upside, TJ Hockenson is reliable. Fantasy football is full of ups and downs, making the consistent players a jewel. While other tight ends may have higher ceilings, that does not mean he isn’t a valuable piece to have. In an offense with multiple other weapons in the passing game such as one of the best receivers in the NFL, Justin Jefferson, passing will be the nucleus of their offense.
Rookie quarterbacks and quarterbacks who are new to teams’ systems often target the tight end as a safety blanket and both quarterbacks who are expected to take snaps for the Vikings will have one of the best tight ends to throw to. With the offseason addition of Aaron Jones, the running game should receive a boost and take the pressure off of the quarterbacks. With multiple beneficial factors set for Hockenson, he may surprise everyone and finish as one of the best players in fantasy football.
TJ Hockenson’s Fantasy Downside
On the downside, TJ Hockenson could lose what has made him so valuable, his consistency. Though he was able to find success with multiple quarterbacks in the past, that does not mean he is 100% going to recreate it with McCarthy or Darnold. Another downside is that both quarterbacks could primarily target other weapons on the offense. Hockenson does a great job of getting himself open and making plays, but it all will depend on the quarterback to get him the ball.
Other downsides surround the fact that the Minnesota Vikings are in rebuild mode. After an injury-plagued 2023 season and the consistency of coming up short, the Vikings are not expected to do much in 2024. While this does not mean Hockenson is not expected to do much, it could affect his overall production.
It is hard to determine exactly what type of season TJ Hockenson will have in 2024 due to the extra drama that the offseason brought the team. With an overall low risk, he will be expected to be targeted fairly early among tight ends but could fall later. Hockenson has always been a great piece to have in hopes of a fantasy football playoff run, but will he be able to recreate the past with the new-look Vikings?
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