The Minnesota Vikings (2-2) will visit the Cleveland Browns (1-3) in Week 5. Here’s the latest fantasy football news and advice to help you with your lineups this week and moving forward, specifically regarding TE T.J. Hockenson.
Is T.J. Hockenson Playing in Week 5?
Hockenson is not on the injury report and is expected to play.
We’ll continue to monitor the Vikings’ injury report leading up to kickoff for any changes. You can also visit and bookmark our Fantasy News Tracker for the latest updates.
Should You Start or Sit Hockenson in Week 5?
T.J. Hockenson worked hard to get you any sort of value late (three catches during a five-play stretch in the first half of the fourth quarter), and thank God for that because he dropped his only look up to that point.
You’re likely familiar with the idea that NFL teams script their first set or two of plays. They practice them throughout the work week, and the idea is that, with no game script to consider, they can execute and get off to a good start.
I subscribe to that general idea, and that makes it alarming that I am tied with T.J. Hockenson for first-quarter targets this season.
The difference is, of course, that he’s run 18 routes, and I’m comfortable at my house.
In September, he caught three first-half passes, and that’s just not enough bankable usage for me to feel good about. A brutal matchup with the Browns isn’t ideal, and while I think a low aDOT role can have success in this offense, we don’t have any signs of it coming.
I’m not dropping Hockenson or anything like that. The profile would suggest that it is possible, but what are you gaining on the wire in terms of stability?
Betting on Hockenson is a bet on Kevin O’Connell more than anything. He doesn’t deserve to be considered the lineup lock that you drafted him to be, but the lack of depth at the position means you’re just kind of stuck hoping for a change in target distribution moving forward.
Are you looking for start/sit advice for other players in your lineup? Read our Fantasy Football Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em Cheat Sheet.
Hockenson’s Fantasy Points Projection in Week 5
Hockenson is projected to score 10.3 fantasy points in PPR formats.
We project Hockenson to have 4 receptions for 46 yards and 0.2 touchdowns.
Check out the free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer for the latest projections and advice for your lineups this week.
Week 5 Weather Impact: Vikings at Browns
The forecast for kickoff is 58°F with 13 mph winds. Precipitation could lead to turnovers and affect the passing game.