Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or C.J. Stroud

Friday, October 31, 4:34 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson should be viewed as a TE2 option when he takes on his former team, the Detroit Lions, in Week 9. It's been a disappointing season so far for Hockenson, who hasn't quite looked the same since an ACL tear in late 2023 and now ranks as the No. 22 fantasy tight end at the halfway point of this season. None of the Vikings played well in a Week 8 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, but Hockenson had just three targets, two catches, and 26 yards receiving. The veteran tight end and the Vikings will now turn back to second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who missed the past five games with an ankle injury. In McCarthy's two starts this year, Hockenson had just four catches for 27 yards, and both of those took place before receiver Jordan Addison returned from a suspension. With the Vikings struggling and Hockenson set to be the team's third option, at best, he should be played only in formats that start two tight ends.

Friday, October 31, 8:54 PM

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has shown positive signs in several of his last few games, with multiple touchdowns in three of his last four games. However, this week, he and the Texans have a tough matchup against the Broncos, who have allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Stroud will get some help, though, with both Nico Collins (concussion) and Christian Kirk (hamstring) set to return to the lineup. This could be a statement game for the Texans, who are looking to climb back into the playoff race after their 0-3 start. Stroud led them to a 26-15 win last week against the 49ers, throwing for a season-high 318 passing yards despite being without Collins and Kirk. While he has a high ceiling, the matchup makes him high-risk, which is why he's only the QB22 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings.