Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Tucker Kraft

Friday, December 12, 4:14 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (shin) is coming off a highlight-worthy touchdown last week, but a decrease in passing volume will once again keep him as a low-end TE2 option when the Vikings travel to Dallas in Week 15. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy played the best game of his NFL career last week, which coincided with a tight-end-friendly gameplan. All three of McCarthy's passing touchdowns went to tight ends -- two to Josh Oliver and one to Hockenson -- but just three overall targets went Hockenson's way as Minnesota prioritized its running game. The Cowboys have been abysmal against the pass overall, surrendering the most passing touchdowns and second-most yards, but receivers have done much more damage: Dallas ranks a respectable 11th against half-PPR tight ends. While Hockenson is off the injury report, he's averaging just 3.5 catches and 28.5 yards per game, so he's best saved for formats that start more than one tight end.

Monday, November 3, 12:07 PM

Tests on Monday confirmed that Green Bay Packers tight end Tucker Kraft (knee) suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his right knee in Sunday's Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. It's a massive blow to the Packers and fantasy managers, as Kraft was in the midst of a breakout campaign in 2025. The 25-year-old former third-round pick will now finish his third year in the NFL with 32 catches on 44 targets for 489 yards and six touchdowns in eight games played. Kraft was coming off a massive seven-catch, 143-yard, two-touchdown performance in the Week 8 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Kraft now done for the year, Luke Musgrave becomes a waiver-wire target for fantasy managers in need of help at the TE position. Receivers Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, and Matthew Golden should also see more targets in the passing game going forward.