Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Dalton Schultz

Saturday, November 1, 1:21 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith has seen underwhelming utilization this season and will hope to turn things around at home against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9. The Colts have allowed the fourth-most receptions and fifth-most fantasy points per contest to opposing tight ends, opening the door for Smith to contribute in this matchup. Still, it remains difficult to predict how opportunities will be distributed among the crowded Steelers' tight end room. Between Smith, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington, Smith is the most viable fantasy option, but none can be relied upon with confidence. The 30-year-old checks in as the TE21 in RotoBaller's Week 9 rankings.

Sunday, November 2, 11:32 AM

Houston Texans tight end Dalton Schultz (knee, shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's Week 9 contest against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after logging a full practice on Friday. The veteran tight end started to turn the corner in October, but he finished the month with a disappointing two-catch, 24-yard showing against the 49ers. He posted that stat line despite Houston playing without its top two receivers, Nico Collins and Christian Kirk. Both Collins and Kirk are back this week, so he'll have even more competition. Schultz could bounce back against a Broncos defense that might lock down Houston's receivers, forcing C.J. Stroud to target his tight ends more. However, that's far from a guarantee, especially with Denver cornerback Patrick Surtain II (pectoral) sidelined. Fantasy managers should view Schultz as a high-end TE2 with TE1 upside.