Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Brock Bowers

Saturday, September 6, 3:40 PM

With the Minnesota Vikings going through changes at wide receiver, tight end T.J. Hockenson is a starting-caliber option as his team prepares to take on the Chicago Bears in Week 1. The veteran tight end figures to be a key part of Minnesota's passing game with wide receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) set to miss the first three games, and could very well be the team's second option behind superstar receiver Justin Jefferson. Hockenson started only nine times last season while recovering from an ACL injury the year prior, and figures to see a natural boost nearly two years post-surgery. He caught 95 passes in 2023 despite the Vikings playing half the season with backup quarterbacks, which bodes well for managers who drafted him as Minnesota breaks in first-time starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy in 2025.

Monday, September 8, 3:53 PM

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (knee) is considered day-to-day on Monday after he left the Week 1 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday and did not return, according to head coach Pete Carroll. Bowers also downplayed his knee injury and said there are no concerns, suggesting that he should be just fine to play in a Week 2 divisional tilt next Monday night versus the Los Angeles Chargers. The 22-year-old second year tight end could be rested once the Raiders open their practice week on Thursday, but all signs are pointing to him being available as a must-start TE this coming week. Bowers was lobbying to return to Sunday's game against the Pats, but the Raiders didn't want to take any chances with a player who has quickly become one of the best TEs in the NFL. Despite leaving early, Bowers still managed five catches on eight targets for 103 yards.