Vikings-Eagles player props, picks: TJ Hockenson, Kirk Cousins light

Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings had a rough Week 1, but there is hope for redemption in Week 2. Tight end T.J. Hockenson is expected to shine against the Philadelphia Eagles, who have struggled against tight ends in the past. Hockenson's yardage prop of 49.5 yards is a great bet for Thursday night.

In Week 1, Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings had a forgettable performance, losing to the Baker Mayfield-led Buccaneers and turning the ball over three times. However, there is still hope that the Vikings' season won't spiral out of control.

Despite the loss, the Vikings actually outgained and outplayed the Bucs. They had two drives end inside the Tampa 30 without scoring any points, and a fumble gave the Bucs an immediate field-goal opportunity. This shows that the Vikings have the potential to perform well.

The Vikings have a chance at redemption in their upcoming Thursday night game against the Philadelphia Eagles. This prime-time bout will be an opportunity for the Vikings to showcase their skills and bounce back from their Week 1 loss.

When looking at the Vikings' offense, it's clear that they have a high ceiling. They have one of the best wide receivers in football in Justin Jefferson, and rookie Jordan Addison showed promise in his NFL debut with 61 yards and a touchdown. Additionally, Alexander Mattison will have the opportunity to shine as the workhorse in the backfield.

While Jefferson and Addison are captivating players, it's the tight end T.J. Hockenson who should be targeted in this matchup. Hockenson has consistently been a reliable target for Cousins, and he was targeted 6+ times in almost every game since joining the Vikings. He has also made 5+ receptions in nine out of 12 games. Hockenson is among the top tight ends in the league, and his yardage prop of 49.5 yards for the Thursday night game against the Eagles is enticing.

Hockenson has a favorable matchup against the Eagles, who have struggled against tight ends in the past. In Week 1, they allowed Hunter Henry and Mike Gesicki to combine for eight receptions and 92 yards. Even last year, the Eagles allowed opposing tight ends to average 47 yards per game. With injuries to key defensive players and the likelihood of Darius Slay focusing on Jefferson, Hockenson should have plenty of opportunities to exploit the Eagles' defense.

Although Hockenson didn't surpass the 50-yard mark in the season opener, it is expected that he will have a standout performance in Week 2. His explosiveness and reliability make him a formidable threat, and he has the potential to exceed expectations.