Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Juwan Johnson

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.

Thursday, November 6, 11:44 AM

New Orleans Saints tight end Juwan Johnson has gained more appeal as a starting option this weekend when he lines up with the hosting Carolina Panthers. The University of Oregon product had a rough three-game stretch from Weeks 4-6 in which he hauled in seven receptions for 50 yards, although he's bounced back over the previous three outings (13/163), and even got back into the end zone for the second time this season -- and first since Week 2. With ex-teammate Rashid Shaheed gone for Seattle, Johnson should assume the role of the No. 2 pass-catcher behind wide receiver Chris Olave. Production could be inconsistent with rookie QB Tyler Shough manning the helm. However, the opportunity will be there in a Saints offense bereft of weaponry.