Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Kyle Pitts Sr.

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.

Saturday, September 27, 11:54 AM

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. was a full participant in practice on Friday and is coming off his third straight game with at least five targets and at least four catches to begin the season. His involvement is a solid increase from 2024, when he garnered 13.7 percent target share, compared to this season's 18.3 percent target share. Unfortunately, this year's targets have been of the shorter variety, with a 5.5 aDOT compared to last season's 8.4 aDOT, and he's yet to receive a red zone look in 2025. Even so, with 15 catches for 135 yards (9.0 average), the 24-year-old stands just outside the top 12 in fantasy scoring at the position thus far, and if he's able to find paydirt in Week 4, he'll be comfortably in the top 12 come Monday. Atlanta's Week 4 opponent, the Washington Commanders, has allowed the ninth-most half-PPR points to tight ends through three weeks, and gave up three scores through the air last Sunday (albeit to a WR). In what should be a competitive game, view the 6-foot-6 tight end as a low-end TE1 for Week 4.