Who Should I Start? Hunter Henry or Jonnu Smith

Friday, November 22, 10:30 AM

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry has formed a strong rapport with rookie quarterback Drake Maye, which bodes well for the veteran pass-catcher heading into Week 12 against the Miami Dolphins. Henry is averaging five catches, 51.8 receiving yards, 0.2 touchdowns, and 11.2 fantasy points (half-PPR) through Maye's six games as the Patriots starter. He has been the overall TE12 during that six-week stretch, leading the team in catches. This week, Henry faces the Dolphins, who rank near the middle of the league in terms of production allowed to opposing tight ends. However, that number is likely skewed from the four-game stretch for which Tua Tagovailoa was sidelined; during that span, opponents adopted a run-heavy approach against the Dolphins and did not have to develop an overly aggressive passing attack. Looking at recent context, this Miami defense allowed a record-breaking game from Brock Bowers last week; the rookie tallied 13 catches, 126 yards, and one touchdown. Henry isn't necessarily on the same level as Bowers, but the bottom line is that the Dolphins have shown they aren't going to shut down every tight end they face. Henry should be deployed as a low-end TE1 in leagues with 10-plus teams.

Saturday, November 16, 7:26 PM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith gets a great matchup in Week 11 against the Las Vegas Raiders. For most of the season, he has maintained a good target share and has carved out a meaningful role in the offense. He's garnered six or more targets in four of his last five games. The Raiders defense has been porous against tight ends this year, giving up the fourth most fantasy points per game to the position. They've also allowed the fifth most touchdowns to tight ends this season. In their last two games, Travis Kelce and Mike Gesicki had 90 receiving yards and a touchdown. If you need a replacement starter this week, Smith could be a viable option. He checks in as RotoBaller's TE17 for Week 11.