Who Should I Start? Jonnu Smith or Theo Johnson

Friday, September 26, 2:52 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Jonnu Smith (hip) is questionable for Sunday's Week 4 matchup with the Vikings, to be played in Dublin, Ireland. Smith played a full allotment of snaps in the team's Week 3 win over the Patriots, but popped up on the injury report this week. After missing Wednesday's practice, he was a limited participant on Thursday and Friday, signaling that things are trending in the right direction. If Smith is unable to play on Sunday, Pat Freiermuth becomes an interesting fantasy option against a Vikings defense that has been the third most favorable matchup for tight ends through three weeks. Outside of the heavy usage of running back Jaylen Warren, the Steelers' passing attack has looked uninspired since Aaron Rodgers' surprise four-touchdown opener. Should Smith play, he deserves a look by fantasy managers based on the matchup alone, but there are likely better options available.

Saturday, September 27, 1:49 AM

New York Giants tight end Theo Johnson is a fantasy non-factor who should remain on waiver wires, but he has a slight chance to gain relevance with a rookie quarterback making his first start. Johnson has been unproductive through three weeks, ranking as the TE42 while averaging a mere 2.63 fantasy points per game on just 10 total targets, despite a high 77.4% snap share. The primary hope is that rookie QB Jaxson Dart leans on him as a security blanket, which could finally boost his target share against a defense allowing the second-most passing yards. Still, he faces a Chargers defense that is tough on tight ends (9.2 FPPG) and is first in red zone touchdown rate, making him a desperation-only play.