Who Should I Start? George Kittle or Irv Smith Jr.

Friday, September 22, 2:30 AM

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle had his best game of the young season on Thursday night against the New York Giants. The colorful tight end out of Iowa grabbed seven of his nine targets for 90 yards, helping pick up the offensive slack with receiver Brandon Aiyuk sidelined by injury. While fantasy managers are still waiting for Kittle's first touchdown, it was good to see Kittle beat projections after duds in the first two weeks. Next up for Kittle's 49ers is a home matchup against the Arizona Cardinals where he'll remain a TE1.

Saturday, September 23, 2:53 PM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Irv Smith Jr. (hamstring) is doubtful for Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. Smith Jr. practiced in a limited capacity on both Friday and Saturday but was listed as doubtful on the team's final injury report ahead of their MNF tilt against the L.A. Rams. The tight end position has not played a large role in Cincinnati's offensive game plan to start the season, Smith Jr. has just five catches for 27 scoreless yards through two games. Drew Sample and Mitchell Wilcox would fill in if Smith Jr. is unable to play but neither player has any fantasy value.