Cincinnati Bengals: Start ‘Em, Sit ‘Em for Week 6 vs. Lions
Start ‘Em – T.J. Hockenson
As of this writing, Hockenson is considered questionable. However, if he manages to suit up, the former Iowa Hawkeye has shown he is about to enter the conversation as a top five player at his position.
The Lions essentially are devoid of any NFL caliber talent at receiver, so where does Jared Goff look when he drops back? More often than not it has been to Hockenson.
On the year, the third-year tight end has caught 24 of 33 targets with two touchdowns. Those are good numbers for the position.
Historically the Bengals defense has been susceptible to the athletic receiving tight end. Last year showed a great deal of improvement, and this year hasn’t been terrible by any means.
However linebacker Jordan Evans went on IR this week with a season-ending injury, and with the dearth of passing targets the Lions possess, expect Hockenson to get double-digit targets. In short, if Pat Freiemuth can score on the defense with his limited looks, Hockenson will definitely punch one in with double-digit looks.