Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Oronde Gadsden


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
8.4 0.0 0.0 3.8 34.4 0.2

T.J. Hockenson News

T.J. Hockenson Only a Deep-League Waiver Add for Week 1

Tuesday, September 8, 7:15 AM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is still sitting on plenty of waiver wires, but that does not make him one of the better Week 1 tight end pickups. He is rostered in only 22% of Yahoo leagues after finishing 2025 with 51 catches for 438 yards and three touchdowns on 66 targets in 15 games. Minnesota's offensive-line problems were part of it. Hockenson had to stay in and chip more often, which cut into his routes. There has been at least one encouraging sign this summer, with Hockenson and new starting quarterback Kyler Murray connecting repeatedly in the red zone during camp. The target tree is still crowded with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and Jauan Jennings, though, and Hockenson has not been a reliable weekly fantasy starter lately. RotoBaller has him at TE22 for Week 1 and lists him as an add in 14-team leagues. That is probably where he belongs. In a standard 10- or 12-team league, there are better streaming bets on the wire.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
6.1 0.0 0.0 2.3 27.9 0.2

Oronde Gadsden News

Oronde Gadsden Falling Down Draft Boards Due to Added Competition

Tuesday, September 1, 6:24 PM

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden impressed in 2025, finishing as the TE17 and hauling in 49 of his 69 targets for 664 yards (13.6 yards per catch) and three touchdowns. He was the most explosive tight end in football with a 131.3 explosive rating, and while he was very efficient and productive, his blocking limitations and the addition of David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are making it more difficult for him to find playing time or to increase his snap share. Additionally, in most of the Chargers' preseason games, Gadsden often played with the backups. Gadsden may be an explosive option in specific passing situations, but it's possible we'll see his 61.4 percent snap share, which was 28th in the NFL last season, continue to decline with the additional tight ends in the room. RotoBaller ranks Gadsden as the TE31 on the season, making him a clear fade in all one-tight-end formats.


T.J. Hockenson vs. Oronde Gadsden

Still trying to decide between Hockenson and Gadsden? 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 Oronde Gadsden is projected to score 6.1 points.