Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or T.J. Hockenson

Tuesday, October 14, 9:19 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith logged just three catches for 18 yards on four targets in a 23-9 win over the Cleveland Browns. Coming out of a Week 5 bye, it was fair to wonder if Pittsburgh would try to get Smith more involved in its offense after acquiring him over the summer. Unfortunately, Smith once again played behind Darnell Washington, who has proven to be an effective run blocker. If Smith is going to turn things around, Thursday night's matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals is the ideal spot for him to do so. The Bengals have surrendered the most fantasy points per game to tight ends this season. Still, given his lack of opportunities recently, Smith can only be viewed as a dart-throw TE2.

Friday, October 3, 4:13 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson is a mid-range TE2 heading into his team's Week 5 meeting against the strong defense of the Cleveland Browns. The veteran tight end has picked up the pace during the past two weeks, going for 11 targets, nine catches, 88 yards, and a touchdown with backup quarterback Carson Wentz under center, but Minnesota has bigger issues on Sunday. The Vikings have ruled out three of five starters on the offensive line, hampering an offense that was already without starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) and running back Aaron Jones (hamstring). Against a Browns defense with one of the top defensive lines in the game, the Vikings are facing a tall task that could limit the number of opportunities for offensive players like Hockenson.