Pat Freiermuth vs T.J. Hockenson: Who Should You Start?
This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Pat Freiermuth finished the 2025 season at 5.5 PPG over 17 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers, while T.J. Hockenson clocked in at 5.8 across 15 appearances for the Minnesota Vikings. A 0.3-point gap means any given week could go either way.
With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Pat Freiermuth had 41 catches for 486 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.
One scheduling note: Pat Freiermuth is off Week 9 and T.J. Hockenson Week 6. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.
