Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Van Jefferson

Friday, November 21, 3:17 PM

Fantasy managers should not put much stock into tight end T.J. Hockenson when the Minnesota Vikings take on the Green Bay Packers in Week 12. The veteran has yet to reach 50 yards receiving in a game this season and is averaging just more than two catches per outing during the past month. Minnesota has struggled in back-to-back weeks with quarterback J.J. McCarthy, though Hockenson's fantasy output had diminished relative to prior years even before McCarthy returned from injury. In 10 games this season, Hockenson has finished within the top 10 fantasy tight ends only once, and managers should consider starting him only in formats that play more than one tight end.

Saturday, November 22, 12:33 PM

Through 10 games this season, Tennessee Titans wide receiver Van Jefferson has recorded 17 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown on 33 targets. While those numbers don't jump off the page, Jefferson has seen an expanded role in his team's offense in recent weeks, earning 19 targets over his last three games played. The 29-year-old also played a season-high 92% of Tennessee's offensive snaps in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. With Titans wideouts Calvin Ridley (leg) and Elic Ayomanor (hamstring) both out, Jefferson could continue to see targets and playing time in Week 12 against the Seattle Seahawks. However, Seattle is a tough matchup for opposing passing games. Through 11 weeks, Seattle is allowing the third-fewest yards per pass attempt (6.2) in the NFL. Expected playing time alone may not be enough to carry Jefferson's fantasy production against the Seahawks. He profiles as a desperation flex option for deep-league fantasy managers in Week 12.