As the 2023 NFL season kicks off, fantasy football managers are looking for players who can help them win their leagues. One player who has caught the attention of many is Detroit Lions tight end TJ Hockenson. The former first-round pick had a breakout season in 2022, and many are wondering if he can repeat that success in 2023. In this article, we'll take a closer look at Hockenson's fantasy stats and what they might mean for his performance this season.
The Breakout Season
In 2022, Hockenson emerged as one of the NFL's top tight ends. He finished the season with 73 receptions for 880 yards and six touchdowns, ranking him fourth among tight ends in fantasy points. Hockenson was a consistent performer throughout the season, scoring double-digit fantasy points in 10 of his 16 games played. He also had four games with at least 20 fantasy points, showing his ability to have big weeks.
One reason for Hockenson's success was his usage in the Lions' offense. With few other reliable options in the passing game, quarterback Jared Goff frequently targeted Hockenson. He had 101 targets on the season, the third-most among tight ends. Hockenson's ability to make plays after the catch was also on display, as he ranked fifth among tight ends in yards after catch with 361.
The 2023 Outlook
So what can fantasy managers expect from Hockenson in 2023? There are both reasons for optimism and caution. On the positive side, Hockenson will likely continue to be a focal point of the Lions' offense. Goff is still the team's starting quarterback, and the Lions did little to upgrade their receiving corps in the offseason. This means Hockenson should continue to see a high volume of targets.
However, there are also reasons to be wary. The Lions hired a new offensive coordinator, and it's unclear how that will impact Hockenson's role. Additionally, the team did draft a wide receiver in the first round, Amon-Ra St. Brown, who could cut into Hockenson's target share. Finally, Hockenson's 2022 season was buoyed by a few big games; if he's unable to replicate that success, his fantasy value could take a hit.
The Case for Hockenson
Despite the potential risks, there are plenty of reasons to be bullish on Hockenson's fantasy prospects in 2023. For one, he's still just 25 years old and has plenty of room to grow. Additionally, he's already proven himself as a reliable and productive fantasy tight end. Finally, Hockenson's combination of size and athleticism make him a matchup nightmare for defenses.
The Case against Hockenson
On the other hand, there are some red flags that could cause fantasy managers to steer clear of Hockenson. One is his injury history; he missed three games in 2022 with a hand injury and has dealt with other minor injuries throughout his career. Additionally, the Lions are likely to be one of the worst teams in the NFL this season, which could limit Hockenson's opportunities to score fantasy points.
Conclusion
There's no doubt that TJ Hockenson has the potential to be a top fantasy tight end in 2023. He's coming off a breakout season and should continue to be a key part of the Lions' offense. However, there are also some risks to consider, including a new offensive coordinator and the potential for decreased target volume. Ultimately, where Hockenson is drafted in fantasy leagues will depend on how managers weigh these factors. But one thing's for sure: if Hockenson can replicate his 2022 success, he could be a game-changer for fantasy teams in 2023.
Komentar
Posting Komentar