Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings are opening tight end T.J. Hockenson's (knee) practice window this week, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Last year's PPR TE1 in fantasy points per game is working his way back from a late-season ACL tear and began the 2024 regular season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He has missed the required four games to be able to return and is now set to get back on the practice field. While this is a promising development for fantasy managers who are stashing him, it would be somewhat of a surprise if he's active for the game against the New York Jets on Sunday. The organization has 21 days from his return to practice to move him to the active roster, and he'll likely need a ramp-up period. That said, given the lack of production at the tight end spot this season, Hockenson is arguably a must-start as soon as he's ready to play. Minnesota's offense led by Sam Darnold is far exceeding expectations so far, so Hockenson could finish as a high-end TE1 in 2024.

Houston Texans running back Cam Akers had the backfield mostly to himself on Sunday in a 24-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, finishing with 53 yards on 13 carries without a touchdown or a catch. For the second straight week, the Texans were without starting running back Joe Mixon, thrusting the former L.A. Ram into spot duty. With the game on the line, however, running back Dare Ogunbowale drew the key target from quarterback C.J. Stroud, a one-yard touchdown inside the final minute. Akers likely will return to a backup role if Mixon returns in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills.

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (knee) is almost ready for the team to trigger his 21-day practice window, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hockenson tore his ACL and MCL in Week 16 last year but has made a speedy recovery and hopes to return within the next few weeks. It's important to note that once the Vikings designate Hockenson to practice, he'll have 21 days where he can practice with the team while not counting toward the 53-man roster. Once those 21 days go by, the team must activate him from injured reserve or rule him out for the remainder of the season. Schefter notes that the former is more likely for Hockenson, with Week 7 or 8 being his target for a return. Once he's back on the field, Hockenson will rank as a high-end fantasy TE1.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson has paid early dividends in fantasy so far, and he hopes to continue riding a hot streak in Week 4 against the Green Bay Packers. The former first-round receiver has been incredibly productive despite his team simply not having to pass much in the second half of their games. The Packers will probably pose a more competitive game than the Vikings have been used to this season. If so, expect even greater productivity from Jefferson, who has already scored a touchdown in his first three games. There is a chance that Jordan Addison (ankle) eats into the targets. However, start Jefferson and feel confident in that choice.

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (ankle) has been cleared to play in Week 4 against the division-rival Green Bay Packers on Sunday at Lambeau Field. Addison injured his ankle in the Week 1 win over the New York Giants and missed the last two games as a result. With no injury designation heading into the weekend, the 22-year-old shouldn't be in danger of seeing a limited snap count and should return to being the WR2 for quarterback Sam Darnold behind All-Pro pass-catcher Justin Jefferson. Addison only had three catches on four targets for 35 yards in Week 1, but he managed 911 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023. The Packers have been middle of the pack in terms of fantasy points allowed to receivers through three weeks. Addison is once again in play as a WR3/flex, while his return hurts Jalen Nailor the most.