Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Jake Ferguson

Friday, September 19, 7:23 PM

Faced with another solid opportunity for production, Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a low-end TE1 candidate against the Cincinnati Bengals, though fantasy managers could certainly be forgiven for being leery about his potential following two straight duds. The veteran tight end is facing a plus matchup for tight ends against the Bengals' defense, but is also coming into the game with four catches, 27 total yards, and zero red-zone targets in two games. Most concerning, the Vikings will be without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and could be starting three offensive linemen -- from left tackle to center -- with a combined two NFL starts. It's clear the Vikings are going to have to be more creative offensively in the following weeks, however, and that should mean more involvement for Hockenson.

Tuesday, September 23, 9:30 PM

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jake Ferguson was targeted a whopping 14 times in his team's Week 3 loss to the Chicago Bears, hauling in 13 catches for 82 yards. Ferguson now has 27 catches for 183 yards on 32 targets through his first three games of 2025. With star Dallas wide receiver CeeDee Lamb (ankle) potentially facing a multi-week absence due to a high ankle sprain, Ferguson should be expected to maintain a sizable role in the Cowboys' passing game. The 26-year-old faces a tough matchup in the Green Bay Packers' defense in Week 4. Still, Ferguson profiles as a must-start tight end and is a priority waiver wire target in any league where he remains available.