Cade Otton vs T.J. Hockenson: Who Should You Start?
The gap between Cade Otton and T.J. Hockenson is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.0 PPG in 2025, this is one of those tight end decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Cade Otton averaged 5.8 PPG with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers across 16 games, and T.J. Hockenson posted 5.8 with the Minnesota Vikings in 15.
When two tight ends are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Cade Otton had 59 catches for 572 yards; T.J. Hockenson posted 51 for 438. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
Cade Otton has his bye in Week 11, and T.J. Hockenson rests in Week 6. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at tight end for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.
