Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Pat Freiermuth

Saturday, December 21, 10:00 AM

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith has been one of the most consistent players in all fantasy football over the last several weeks. The 29-year-old is ranked as the TE4 and has seen incredible volume down the stretch. He has touchdowns in four of the previous five games and eight or more targets in four of the last five. However, Week 16 presents a difficult matchup with the San Francisco 49ers, who have been stout against tight ends. They rank 2nd in fantasy points allowed to tight ends per game and allow the least yards per game to the position. With linebacker Dre Greenlaw questionable, that could present even more problems for Smith. With the injuries to Tyreek Hill (wrist/personal) and Jaylen Waddle (knee), Smith should command plenty of looks this week. He is still a TE1 and should be started in all formats. He ranks as the TE4 in the Week 16 RotoBaller rankings.

Sunday, December 22, 8:22 AM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth caught all three of his targets for a total gain of 16 yards during Saturday's loss to the Baltimore Ravens. Freiermuth seemed like he was in a great position to excel with George Pickens (hamstring) sidelined, but that didn't prove to be the case. Instead, Russell Wilson spread the ball around effectively, delivering a completion to three of his four tight ends, as well as connecting with four different wide receivers. Most notably, Freiermuth had a touchdown vultured by tight end MyCole Pruitt, who linked up with Wilson for a one-yard score. All in all, Freiermuth was productive when targeted, but he didn't have the volume or yardage needed to thrive in fantasy football. He'll drop back to the TE2 tier next week against the Kansas City Chiefs.