T.J.

Hockenson

Hockenson scored the only touchdown for the Vikings as they put up a performance they’d rather soon forget against the Rams. Under contract for the next three season, Hockenson is likely to be a large part of the future plans for a franchise likely headed towards significant offensive changes considering quarterback Sam Darnold and running backs Aaron Jones and Cam Akers are on the final year of their contracts. Hockenson appeared in 11 games for the Vikings, including the playoffs, in 2024 after starting the season on injured reserve as he recovered from a torn ACL suffered in the 2023 season. His season ends with 41 receptions for 455 yards.

To be fair to Hockenson, the entire Minnesota offense struggled against one of the best defensive game plans we have seen from Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. The return of linebacker Alex Anzalone played a massive part in locking down Hockenson, who routinely found himself in coverage of the veteran tight end. The loss sends the Vikings to a road matchup with the Rams, one of only two teams to beat the Vikings this season, in the Wildcard Round.

Hockenson’s lone incompletion was Sam Darnold’s only turnover of the game. The 27-year-old tight end was able to find room in the middle of the field against Green Bay, and he bounced back from a disappointing two-catch effort against the Seahawks. Hockenson will get a chance to face his former team in Week 18 against the Lions, and the winner of that contest will get homefield advantage in the NFC.

It was yet another down day for Hockenson, who has eclipsed 50 receiving yards in just three of his eight games in 2024. Hockenson ran a route on 30 of the team’s 42 drop backs against Seattle. He still does not have a touchdown on 45 receptions this season. He’ll be a TE2 option in Week 16 against the Packers.

Hockenson is Minnesota’s man-beater, and the Bears rarely bothered getting out of zone coverage tonight so he didn’t have much to work with. He did break up a near-interception by playing defensive back on a ball over the middle from Sam Darnold that was bearing in on Kevin Byard’s hands. He also converted a third-and-15 with a 16-yard catch and added a five-yard DPI. He’ll remain a functional low-end TE1 in Week 16 against the Seahawks.

Sam Darnold threw for a career high 347/5, but he did so by finding Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison for a combined 15/265/5. Hockenson has been a clear third wheel since making his 2024 debut five weeks ago. He’s spiked a few games in the process, but he’s yet to re-establish his pre-injury floor as the Vikings remain balanced on offense with two target commanders atop the skill corps. That will render Hockenson more of a back-end TE1 for the fantasy playoffs, including in Week 15 against the Bears.

Hockenson was outdone by fellow Vikings TE Johnny Mundt, who had 22 yards and a touchdown against the Cardinals. Hockenson ran a pass route on 29 of the team’s 41 drop backs while Mundt logged just 11 routes. Hockenson’s quiet Week 13 outing came after a breakout 114-yard performance last week against the Bears. The balanced, low-volume Minnesota offense will likely continue to struggle to create fantasy production for all of its pass catchers. Hockenson gets a matchup with a beatable Falcons secondary in Week 14.

Hockenson’s role took a hit in Week 11 and he caught just two passes for 13 yards. Minnesota platooned him with Josh Oliver and even gave Johnny Mundt a few reps. Oliver missed Week 12 with an ankle issue, paving the way for Hockenson’s 2024 breakout. Hockenson cleared his previous season-high by over 40 yards and hit triple-digits for the first time since Week 10 of the 2023 season. Even if Oliver returns next week, Hockenson has done enough to maintain a high-volume role going forward. He will be in the top half of the TE1 ranks for Week 13 versus the Cardinals.

Oliver doesn’t have standalone fantasy value, but he was splitting reps with T.J. Hockenson, who just returned from the torn ACL he suffered late in the 2023 season. Oliver’s absence may force the Vikings to deploy Hockenson in a full-time role, giving him TE1 upside for Week 12.

Simply put, Hockenson was a non-factor and there were times you would be forgiven for not knowing he was out on the field. Meanwhile, fellow tight end Josh Oliver was able to gain 34 receiving yards on his three targets. There is no indication that this is anything other than a poor week, but it certainly was a poor week for a tight end who was looking like he was getting back on the TE1 radar in fantasy.