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Dawson Knox vs T.J. Hockenson

Fantasy Football Comparison for the 2026 NFL Season

TEBuffalo Bills
Dawson Knox
PPG
5.0
Games
17
Rec
36
Rec Yds
417
Rec TDs
4
Targets
49
Bye
Week 12
TEMinnesota VikingsPPG LEADER
T.J. Hockenson
PPG
5.8
Games
15
Rec
51
Rec Yds
438
Rec TDs
3
Targets
66
Bye
Week 6

Head to Head

5.0 PPG5.8 PPG
17 GP15 GP
Bye: Week 12Bye: Week 6

Dawson Knox vs T.J. Hockenson: Who Should You Start?

The gap between Dawson Knox and T.J. Hockenson is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.8 PPG in 2025, this is one of those tight end decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Dawson Knox averaged 5.0 PPG with the Buffalo Bills across 17 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. Dawson Knox had 36 catches for 417 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.

Dawson Knox has his bye in Week 12, 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.

The Bottom Line

T.J. Hockenson outscored Dawson Knox by 0.8 PPG in 2025 (5.8 to 5.0). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Dawson Knox or T.J. Hockenson in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, T.J. Hockenson has the edge at 5.8 PPG compared to Dawson Knox's 5.0 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Dawson Knox and T.J. Hockenson average in 2025?

Dawson Knox averaged 5.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 17 games in 2025. T.J. Hockenson averaged 5.8 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.8 points per game.

When are Dawson Knox and T.J. Hockenson's bye weeks in 2026?

Dawson Knox (BUF) has a bye in Week 12, and T.J. Hockenson (MIN) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Dawson Knox or T.J. Hockenson a better fantasy tight end in 2026?

T.J. Hockenson outscored Dawson Knox by 0.8 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.