T.J. Hockenson had another solid season in 2021, but let’s take a look at it through the fantasy football lense.
Despite missing the final five games of the season with a thumb injury, Detroit Lions tight end T.J. Hockenson still had 61 receptions–good for third on the team. He was also second on the team in receiving yards (583) and receiving touchdowns (four).
Hockenson started the season strong, with 16 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns (at least eight catches, more than 65 yards and a touchdown in both). Then came a downturn, with eight catches over the next three games. Then he had at least nine targets (double-digits twice) and six catches with double-digit PPR fantasy points in three straight games from Week 6-8.
After a catchless game in Week 10, Hockenson had more than 50 yards or a touchdown in each of the final three games he played in 2021.
2021 Fantasy Football: T.J. Hockenson Season Review
Let’s look at Hockenson’s weekly fantasy finishes (0.5-point PPR, via Fantasy Pros).
Week 1: TE3
Week 2: TE3
Week 3: TE35
Week 4: TE20
Week 5: TE35
Week 6: TE7
Week 7: TE13
Week 8: TE1
Week 10: TE50 (tie)
Week 11: TE15
Week 12: TE8 (tie)
Week 13: TE4
Take out that catchless dud in Week 10, and Hockenson was TE5 by fantasy points per game in 0.5-point PPR (10.4 points per game). Add it back in, and he was still tied for TE6 per game in 0.5 point PPR (9.6 points per game). In full PPR, he was TE6 on a per-game basis (12.6 fantasy points per game).
Having Hockenson on a fantasy roster in 2021 probably meant you were starting him every week when he was available. It was a roller coaster, with four top-five finishes, two additional top-10 finishes and four finishes of TE20 or or worse in 12 appearances. Then, after possibly helping your push to get there with top-10 finishes in Week 12 and Week 13, he was out for the fantasy playoffs.
After thumb surgery, Hockenson is on track to be ready to go in plenty of time for offseason work. The list of tight ends who will be taken before him in fantasy drafts come August is not especially long.