- T.J. Hockenson to cook again versus the Bears: Kevin O’Connell leaned heavily on Hockenson down the stretch last season, with the tight end seeing the sixth-most targets at his position (67) after returning from injury. That included 12 catches on 17 targets across two games against Chicago.
- Chigoziem Okonkwo faces a tough matchup against Denver: The Broncos led the NFL with an 85.6 PFF coverage grade on throws to tight ends last season, while also ranking top-six in passer rating allowed (81.5), yards per target (6.4), and open target rate (54.6%).
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These are some of the best player prop bets to target in Week 1 for the 2025 NFL season.
T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings vs Chicago Bears
- Over 4.5 receptions (+100)
With J.J. McCarthy taking over at quarterback and another offseason removed from the knee injury that sidelined him for half of 2024, T.J. Hockenson is positioned for a strong rebound in 2025. His return to form comes at the perfect time, as the Vikings will be without Jordan Addison for the first three games—setting the stage for increased involvement from the veteran tight end.
Even coming off injury, Hockenson finished last season on an upswing. From Week 9 on, he earned a 78.9 PFF receiving grade — eighth among tight ends — and was heavily featured in Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Over that span, he saw the sixth-most targets at the position (67), including 12 receptions on 17 targets in two games against the Bears. With a more defined role to start the season, Hockenson should be a focal point in Minnesota’s passing attack.
Chicago had trouble defending tight ends down the stretch last season, setting the stage for Hockenson to make a significant impact in Week 1. Over the Bears’ final five games, two tight ends recorded at least five receptions against them, while three others finished just one shy with four catches. With Jordan Addison sidelined, Hockenson could be in line for a heavy target share out of the gate.
Chigoziem Okonkwo, Tennessee Titans vs Denver Broncos
- Under 32.5 receiving yards (-110)
It’s a new era in Tennessee, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward set to make his NFL debut and Chigoziem Okonkwo drawing buzz as a breakout tight end candidate because of it. But that breakout may have to wait. The Titans open the season in Denver, facing one of the NFL’s stingiest defenses against tight ends.
The Broncos led the league last year with an 85.6 PFF coverage grade on throws to tight ends. They also ranked top-six in passer rating allowed (81.5), yards per coverage target (6.4), and open target rate (54.6%) in that same category. And their offseason additions only bolster that unit.
Denver brought in Talanoa Hufanga, who’s earned a 70.0-plus coverage grade against tight ends in three of his four seasons, and Dre Greenlaw, whose 88.9 coverage grade ranks third among linebackers over the last three years. It’s a brutal Week 1 matchup for Okonkwo in a game that could test Tennessee’s rookie quarterback early.
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