Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Justin Herbert

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, 5:03 PM

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is coming off a highly efficient performance, completing 18 of 25 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns in a dominant win over the Minnesota Vikings. This week, he faces a struggling Tennessee Titans defense that is ranked 26th overall in yards allowed. While this matchup is very favorable, the Chargers are heavy 9.5-point favorites and may lean more on their rushing game, especially since the Titans will be missing key defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons (hamstring). Herbert remains a solid QB1, but fantasy managers should temper their expectations for a heavy passing day. Additionally, with offensive guard Mekhi Becton (knee) listed as questionable, the Bolts might adopt a more methodical ground-and-pound approach. RotoBaller projects Herbert to be QB6, which gives him a strong floor as a mid-range QB1.