Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Colston Loveland

Friday, September 5, 7:59 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith is set to debut for the team on the road against the New York Jets. Smith broke out in 2024, earning over 100 targets for the first time in his career while scoring eight touchdowns. Now reunited with offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, he should see plenty of opportunities despite sharing the position with Pat Freiermuth. This matchup, however, doesn't necessarily inspire confidence that Smith's campaign will get off to a hot start. New York limited tight ends to the eighth-fewest fantasy points last season, and Sunday's contest is expected to be low-scoring. Smith can be started in a pinch, but he shouldn't be viewed as a top-12 option this week.

Saturday, September 6, 2:45 PM

Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland makes his NFL debut on Monday Night Football against the Minnesota Vikings. Drafted 10th overall in 2025, Loveland enters the league with high expectations as a long-term playmaker in Ben Johnson's offense. However, fantasy managers should temper expectations for Week 1. Loveland will begin his rookie season in a timeshare with veteran Cole Kmet, who has been a steady producer throughout his five-year career. With target competition across the offense and the necessity for a Caleb Williams Year 2 leap, Loveland's fantasy value may take time to materialize. The matchup doesn't help either, as Minnesota's defense allowed the ninth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends last season. Until his role becomes clearer, Loveland is best treated as a low-end TE2 in Week 1.