Analysis

The veteran tight end was one of the few bright spots in the disappointing season-ending loss, bringing in Sam Darnold's only touchdown pass of the night from 26 yards out with just over five minutes remaining in the game. It was an encouraging finish for Hockenson amid a disappointing team outcome, as he missed the first seven games of the season while completing his recovery from multiple ligament tears in his knee that he'd suffered late in the 2023 season. Hockenson seemingly worked back to full health down the stretch and even recorded one 100-yard performance, which should leave him poised for a big 2025 season as he likely begins working with J.J. McCarthy (knee) as his quarterback.

Analysis

Horrible catch rates was the theme for the Vikings' receiving unit in Sunday's NFC North battle for the No. 1 seed in the conference. Hockenson, Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison combined for just six receptions on 23 targets (26 percent catch rate) in quarterback Sam Darnold's worst game of an otherwise impressive season. The 28-year-old Hockenson finishes the regular season with 41 receptions, 455 yards and no touchdowns in an injury-shortened campaign. Minnesota's entire offense will try to get back on track ahead of next Monday's wild-card round matchup against the Rams.

Analysis

Hockenson recorded his highest yardage total since Week 12, highlighted by a 28-yard grab up the seam to help set up a field goal just before halftime. While his yardage totals haven't been particularly impressive, Hockenson's role has been consistent as he has at least five targets in six straight contests.

Analysis

Hockenson struggled to put up big numbers Sunday, finishing with his second-lowest receiving total of the season against Seattle. The 26-year-old has been held scoreless in eight starts this season, resulting in middling statistics for a shallow fantasy position. Hockenson and his managers will hope for better results against Green Bay next Sunday.

Analysis

Hockenson played third wheel in the air attack to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, but the veteran tight end still turned in a solid line that featured his second-highest catch total since Week 10. Hockenson also drew the second-most targets of any of his first seven games since his delayed season debut, and he should once again garner a fair amount of Sam Darnold's attention in a Week 16 road trip to Seattle.

Analysis

The veteran tight end was quiet throughout most of the afternoon, but he opened the second half with catches of 10 and 18 yards on the Vikings' first possession of the third quarter. Hockenson's reception total was the third highest of his injury-delayed season, as was his yardage tally. Hockenson and the Vikings next welcome in the Bears for a Week 15 home matchup on Monday night, Dec. 16.

Analysis

Hockenson didn't produce much yardage but he was still tied for second on the Vikings in targets. He should rebound next week against Atlanta, but in five games since recovering from knee surgery and making his 2024 debut, the tight end has received just five targets inside the 20-yard line this season and no targets inside the five-yard line. Without increased red-zone usage, Hockenson's fantasy ceiling and touchdown upside will be capped.

Analysis

Hockenson gained a combined 112 yards in his first three games of the season, though he had an explosive performance in Sunday's win with three receptions of at least 20 yards. It was also his first 100-yard performance since Week 10 of the 2023 season. The Vikings talked up Hockenson's role heading into Sunday's matchup, particularly with Josh Oliver (ankle) sidelined, and he should start to see a more consistent role moving forward.

Analysis

Hockenson has played just under 50 percent of the offensive snaps in each of the three games he's played in since his activation from the reserve/PUP list. With fellow Vikings tight endJosh Oliver battling an ankle injury and ruled out this week, Hockenson has been taking more practice reps in packages he hasn't played in this year. Getting on the field more should lead to a larger route share, which in turn boosts Hockenson's target-volume projection.