Who Should I Start? Mike Gesicki or Durham Smythe

Saturday, March 21, 8:47 AM

Cincinnati Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki had a solid showing in 2024 in his first year in Cincinnati, catching 65 of his 83 targets for 665 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games played. The 30-year-old wasn't able to produce at that level in 2025, though, as he finished with 28 receptions for 307 yards and two touchdowns on 42 targets in just 13 games played. Gesicki missed time with a pectoral injury and was also hurt by quarterback Joe Burrow missing eight games with a turf-toe injury. Gesicki finished as the TE40 in half-PPR scoring. In dynasty/keeper leagues, Gesicki wouldn't be a bad buy-low candidate after a down year in 2025. Burrow typically focuses primarily on his two stud wideouts in Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but if healthy, Gesicki could approach his numbers from 2024 in Cincy's pass-happy offense. In redraft fantasy football leagues, Gesicki will be more of a touchdown-dependent TE2 with upside, carrying more appeal in TE-premium formats.