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

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, 1:49 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a fantasy non-factor who should remain on waiver wires, but he has a slight chance to gain relevance with a rookie quarterback making his first start. Johnson has been unproductive through three weeks, ranking as the TE42 while averaging a mere 2.63 fantasy points per game on just 10 total targets, despite a high 77.4% snap share. The primary hope is that rookie QB Jaxson Dart leans on him as a security blanket, which could finally boost his target share against a defense allowing the second-most passing yards. Still, he faces a Chargers defense that is tough on tight ends (9.2 FPPG) and is first in red zone touchdown rate, making him a desperation-only play.