Who Should I Start? T.J. Hockenson or Rico Dowdle

Sunday, December 22, 11:44 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson caught 2-of-5 targets in Sunday's 27-24 win over the Seattle Seahawks. The sixth-year pro was used sparsely on a day where wide receiver Justin Jefferson commanded most of quarterback Sam Darnold's attention (10/144/2). Otherwise, all other Vikings pass-catchers combined for just 12 receptions and 102 yards against a Seattle defense that hung tough most of the afternoon. It's another disappointing performance for Hockenson. The former Iowa Hawkeye has had two nice games in which he combined for 15 receptions and 186 yards. However, he's recorded only 19 catches and 192 yards in the other six. Things will get a bit easier for him in Week 17 against a Green Bay Packers defense that had allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per game to TEs ahead of this weekend. For now, though, fantasy managers may want to consider Hockenson as more of a TE2 with upside.

Monday, December 23, 1:13 AM

Dallas Cowboys running back Rico Dowdle rushed for just 23 yards on 13 carries during Sunday's Week 16 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He also caught each of his three targets for an additional 28 yards through the air. Although Dowdle's pass-catching work was solid, his inefficiency on the ground counteracted some of the production he delivered through the air. Even in PPR leagues, this was Dowdle's worst fantasy outing since he took over as the Cowboys' No. 1 running back over veteran Ezekiel Elliott. The 26-year-old gets another tough matchup next week against the Philadelphia Eagles, who held Brian Robinson Jr. to just 24 rushing yards and two fumbles on Sunday.