Kevin O’Connell Pulls Back Curtain on Vikings Factoid
On Dec 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell looked on prior to kickoff against the Chicago Bears. The divisional game provided another opportunity for O’Connell to guide his roster through late-season challenges as the Vikings continued to pursue playoff positioning. His presence on the sideline reflected focus and leadership in a crucial NFC North contest. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
If nothing changed at all in the next 13 weeks — things will probably change — Hockenson would be on track for a season with 64 catches, 520 yards, and 3 touchdowns. Pedestrian numbers for a man earning $16.5 million per season.
To be worth the squeeze at $16.5 million annually, Hockenson’s receiving yard total must approach or exceed 1,000 yards. Otherwise, a tight end like Josh Oliver, the current TE2, would do just fine.
A Return to Normalcy?
Thankfully, as Minnesota returns to full health, with J.J. McCarthy presumably getting under center in Week 7 or Week 8, the offense can become normal. O’Connell hinted that the litany of injuries, especially to offensive linemen, has tweaked Hockenson’s role.
As players like Donovan Jackson, Brian O’Neill, and maybe even Ryan Kelly gradually return to the lineup, Hockenson can focus on his job as a pass catcher and not just a “dirty work” guy tasked with compensating for the team’s poor pass protection.
There is a path for the man to regain his Hockensonian form.
Fantasy Football Angle for Hockenson
The Viking Age‘s Brad Berreman recently sized up Hockenson’s season and trajectory from a fantasy standpoint.
He wrote, “Those offensive line issues aren’t going away, with right tackle Brian O’Neill facing a multi-week absence due to a sprained MCL he suffered against the Steelers. But if the Vikings ever have everyone up front healthy, that will be good for Hockenson.”
“Or maybe Josh Oliver sees more work as a second tight end, tasked with staying in to block more often than not. On Hockenson’s slate from Week 9-17, the Detroit Lions (Week 9 and 17), Green Bay Packers (Week 12), Seattle Seahawks (Week 13), and Washington Commanders (Week 14) all enter Week 5 in the bottom-10 of the league against tight ends (Yahoo! scoring).”
On Dec 24, 2023, tight end T.J. Hockenson of the Minnesota Vikings prepared during pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Wearing number 87, he stretched and ran drills before facing the Detroit Lions in an NFC North matchup held on Christmas Eve. The session allowed Hockenson and his teammates to make final adjustments before the holiday clash. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports.
For context, Hockenson averaged 64.0 yards per game in 2023. He’s at 30.6 through five games of 2025.
Berreman added, “The Baltimore Ravens (Week 10) are bottom-12 against the position right now, and the Dallas Cowboys (Week 15) are not exactly a tough matchup. Hockenson being a top-five fantasy tight end over the second half of the season is a little aggressive. But it wouldn’t take much for him to be top-10 at the position during the most important time of the season for fantasy managers.”
“If you’re struggling at tight end, it’s worth floating a trade offer to the manager in your league who has the Vikings’ tight end.”
As soon as Minnesota’s starting lineup heals, Hockenson could pop.
