The Vikings and Sam Darnold ($5,900) are one of the feel-good stories of the NFL season. The former Jets draft bust has turned his career around, leading a dynamic aerial attack (tenth-most passing yards in NFL) to an undefeated record. A quarter into the season, it’s time to start taking Minnesota seriously.
For fantasy managers, that means grabbing any piece of this offense that you can find. While swinging a trade for Justin Jefferson ($8,600) or Aaron Jones ($6,700) won’t be easy, any other Vikings skill position player should be affordable. Although Jordan Addison ($5,300) is the current number two option in the passing game, that might not last for long.
Since getting traded to Minnesota in 2022, T.J. Hockenson has emerged as one of the most reliable tight ends in football. Last year, he averaged 14.6 fantasy points per game, tied with Travis Kelce ($5,800) for the most at the position. At a traditionally shallow position, getting wide receiver-level fantasy production is beyond valuable.
Unfortunately, Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16, sidelining him through the start of the 2024 season. Now, following months of rehab and recovery, a return to action appears to be imminent. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Minnesota’s tight end is nearing a return from the PUP (physically unable to perform) list this week, opening up a 21-day window to rejoin the active roster.
Following the offseason departure of Kirk Cousins ($5,600) and a season-ending injury to rookie QB J.J. McCarthy, few expected much from a Darnold-led offense. With that in mind, it’s unlikely the injured TE was taken particularly early in your fantasy draft.
Whether managers acquire Hock as a free agent pickup or via trade, he offers plenty of value. In a sense, this is a clear case of supply and demand at fantasy’s thinnest position. So far, only two tight ends are averaging more than 11 points per game: George Kittle ($5,600) and Dallas Goedert. Considering Hockenson’s ability and role, there’s no reason to think he can’t put up TE5 or better production going forward.
However you manage to do it, T.J. Hockenson needs to be on your team. Even if you have a bonafide starting TE, a little depth never hurt anyone. Barring another injury down the road, Hock’s value will never be lower than it is right now. Either acquire the Viking to be a starter, or stash him on your bench for a future trade. Simply put, midseason difference-makers don’t grow on trees.
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