Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Sam LaPorta

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.

Sunday, November 2, 8:59 PM

Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta caught six of his eight targets for 97 yards and a touchdown during Sunday's Week 9 loss against the Minnesota Vikings. His best play of the game was a 40-yard touchdown in which he withstood a bombardment of Vikings tackles and plowed his way across the goal line. The 24-year-old now has three touchdowns over his last four games and ranks as the overall TE7 in PPR leagues with 35 catches, 436 yards, and three scores in 2025. He should continue to be viewed as a top-10 fantasy tight end heading into Week 10 against the Washington Commanders.