Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Gunnar Helm


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.4 0.0 0.0 3.8 33.8 0.2

T.J. Hockenson News

Does T.J. Hockenson Have Bounce-Back Potential in 2026?

Thursday, July 9, 10:21 AM

Across 15 games in 2025, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson recorded 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets. Like all the other pass-catchers for Minnesota, Hockenson's production was limited by the Vikings' bottom-tier quarterback play in 2025. Veteran signal-caller Kyler Murray brings more stability to Minnesota's passing game in 2026, although the team's overall offensive ecosystem is not guaranteed to be significantly improved. Hockenson is also showing signs of athletic decline as he enters his age-29 season, as he averaged a career-low 8.6 yards per reception in 2025. Additionally, the Vikings signed wide receiver Jauan Jennings in free agency, adding a quality target-earner and red-zone weapon to an offense that already features the star wide receiver duo of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Even at his current ADP of TE22 in redraft leagues, Hockenson may be a player for fantasy managers to avoid in 2026.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
7.1 0.0 0.0 3.1 27.8 0.2

Gunnar Helm News

Robert Saleh Likes What he's Seen From Gunnar Helm

Saturday, July 11, 7:53 AM

Tennessee Titans new head coach Robert Saleh has liked what he's seen from second-year tight end Gunnar Helm this offseason, according to Jim Wyatt of TennesseeTitans.com. "Gunnar looks good, man," Saleh said. "He looks like a legit dude - from what he was a year ago to what he is now, especially physically. Again, once pads come on, we'll be able to decide all that, but like all these guys, hopefully they take a big jump and find a way to grab the bull by the horns and take advantage of their opps." The 23-year-old former fourth-rounder last year out of the University of Texas is determined to improve on his rookie-year numbers of 44 catches for 357 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets in 16 games (10 starts). He ranked fourth on the team in catches with 44, which set a franchise record for rookie TEs, and he ranked fourth on the team in receiving yards. Helm has focused on improving his pad level, his second-level blocking, and his diet, and he was impressive during offseason OTAs and minicamp. With Chig Okonkwo now in Washington, Helm could be primed for a Year 2 breakout in offensive coordinator Brian Daboll's scheme. Fantasy managers should target Helm as a low-end TE2 with upside for more.


T.J. Hockenson vs. Gunnar Helm

Still trying to decide between Hockenson and Helm? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that T.J. Hockenson is projected to score 8.4 points this week while Gunnar Helm is projected to score 7.1 points.