Top 5 former Detroit Lions to watch on Wild Card Weekend

1. Minnesota Vikings TE T.J. Hockenson

The Lions traded Hockenson to the division rival Vikings at this year’s deadline, and he hit the ground running as Minnesota’s No. 2 passing game target behind Justin Jefferson.

In 10 games as a Viking, Hockenson has 60 receptions (on 86 targets) for 519 yards and three touchdowns. With one catch for 16 yards in Week 18, as Minnesota only played starters for a half against the Chicago Bears, that production can pretty much be narrowed to nine games.

Hockenson will of course be playing in his first career playoff game Sunday against the New York Giants, after he spent three-plus seasons with the Lions. Upon being traded, he noted the opportunity to win more and thus play in said playoff games.

"(I’m) a guy that can lead the team somewhere,” Hockenson said after the trade. “That’s really what we’re here to do is go somewhere and win some games. That’s kinda the first time I’ve been able to say that. So I’m pretty excited. I really am.”"

The Vikings played the Giants just back in Week 16, and Hockenson played a huge role (13 catches for 109 yards and two touchdowns) in the 27-24 win for Minnesota. He will surely be counted in a key role again this weekend, this time with playoff stakes.