Falcons TE Jonnu Smith hauled in six of seven targets for 67 yards in the Week 5 win over the Texans. And that came despite TE Kyle Pitts having his best game of the season. Smith tied WR Drake London for second on Atlanta in catches and ranked third behind Pitts and London in targets and yards. He benefitted from the Falcons running 74 plays and throwing it 38 times, but Smith registered a solid 18.4% target share. He's now tallied 6+ targets and 4+ catches in four straight games. Next up is a Washington defense that just got smoked by the Bears. Smith will be in the TE1 discussion for that one.
Falcons HC Arthur Smith said this week that TE Kyle Pitts is still working back to full health from the PCL injury that ended his 2022 season. "There are no perfect timetables," he told reporters. "But there are certain things ... he's doing really well right now. And there are certain things that he can't. It's been a journey back. He's going to get there." As for when Pitts might get back to full health, Smith could only say that he's "getting close." He did add that Pitts "looked as fast as he did as a rookie" on "some things outside." Does all of this mean that Pitts is approaching a big rebound? Not necessarily. But it's likely playing at least a part in why Pitts' playing time is down a bit vs. last year; and why Jonnu Smith has seen just one fewer target and caught four more passes through four games. Pitts remains stashable in most fantasy formats, though he's also not a must-hold if you need that roster spot for something more helpful. We'll keep watching for signals of some rebound for the not-yet-23-year-old.
Falcons WR Drake London found the end zone in London vs. the Jaguars. Of course, his 3 catches on 7 targets for 28 receiving yards isn’t ideal, but the amusing nature of the TD and the fact that it helps fantasy managers counts all the same. In the most frustrating turn of events possible, TE Jonnu Smith led the team in receiving with 95 yards on all 6 of his targets. Fellow TE Kyle Pitts (2 catches, 41 yards) disappeared again in Week 4. It’s getting tough to hold out hope for him at this point. It’ll be tough to trust any of these pass-catchers, though a Week 5 matchup vs. the Texans makes their collective appeal a little nicer.
Falcons WR Drake London led the team in receiving in Week 2, tallying 6 catches on 7 targets for 67 yards and a TD vs. the Packers. Fantasy managers who stuck with the second-year wideout in lineups were rewarded handsomely. But those who started TE Kyle Pitts? Well, they’re not so happy. Pitts only hauled in 2 of his 5 targets for 15 receiving yards in the victory. Fellow TE Jonnu Smith saw 6 targets and turned his opportunities into 4 catches for 47 yards. It’s starting to feel like both London and Pitts being viable fantasy assets in the same week might be a pipedream. Fortunately, we’re only a pair of games into the 2023 season, but early results aren’t encouraging. Pitts will have a chance to get right in Week 3 vs. the Lions.
The Patriots are trading TE Jonnu Smith to the Falcons, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The move primarily looks like a salary dump for New England. Smith caught just 55 passes at 9.8 yards per reception across two seasons after signing a $50 million deal as a 2021 free agent. Atlanta might seem like an awkward fit for him as well, with TE Kyle Pitts already on hand. But the third-year Falcon is more receiver than TE. He has played just 21.8% and 25.6% of pass snaps from an inline position the past two years. Smith, meanwhile, has never run less than 52.6% from there. He was inline on 59.5% of routes last year and topped 64% in each of his first three NFL seasons. He spent those three years -- plus one more -- playing under current Falcons HC Arthur Smith. In Tennessee, Smith served as TEs coach over Smith's first two years, and then OC for the other two. Smith increased his receptions every season there but topped out with a 41-448-8 receiving line in 2020. It'll be similarly tough for Smith to find much fantasy value in Atlanta's run-heavy offense. And we're not downgrading Pitts' outlook for the short or long term on Smith's arrival. Check our dynasty rankings to see how optimistic we remain on Pitts. Smith's departure from New England, meanwhile, certainly can't hurt TE Hunter Henry's opportunities.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) is out for today's game vs. the Bills. That gives TE Hunter Henry the potential to play a big role again. He registered a 100% route rate and 18% target share last week. The issue is the matchup against the Bills, who rank 2nd in both adjusted fantasy points allowed to TEs and Football Outsiders' TE coverage rankings.
Patriots TE Hunter Henry (knee) is listed as questionable for Week 17 vs. the Dolphins after logging limited practice all week. The veteran has been quiet over the last 2 weeks, only tallying 2 receptions on 4 targets. It's probably wise to look for TE help elsewhere for your fantasy lineup. TE Jonnu Smith (concussion) has been ruled out.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is active for today’s game vs. the Browns. He’s not a fantasy option but figures to put a dent in TE Hunter Henry’s routes and targets.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is questionable for Sunday’s game vs. the Browns after a limited week of practice. He’s not a fantasy option, but his return would likely mean fewer pass routes for TE Hunter Henry.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Lions. That should mean more routes for TE Hunter Henry, but he’s still tough to trust in fantasy lineups.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (ankle) is listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. the Lions. That’s theoretically good news for TE Hunter Henry, but he hasn’t done nearly enough early this season to be a bankable Week 5 fantasy play.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith left in the 2nd quarter of Week 4 with an ankle injury. He limped off to the locker room and is officially questionable to return.
Patriots HC Bill Belichick said TE Jonnu Smith had a "really good offseason." Smith was a major disappointment in his Pats debut last year, but he drew positive buzz throughout the summer and notably matched TE Hunter Henry in snaps and routes in the preseason finale. "His fundamentals and technique look good," Belichick said "He's put himself in position I think to go out and play well." Smith is worth a look late in fantasy drafts of 18+ rounds and should be on your waiver-wire watch list.
Patriots QB Mac Jones and the 1st-team offense had another rough outing in Friday night's preseason finale. Jones completed 9 of 13 passes for 71 yards (5.5 YPA), 0 TDs and 1 INT across 4 series. The possessions went: 3-and-out, INT, 3-and-out, FG. The offense reportedly struggled throughout training camp, too, looking uncomfortable in the Josh McDaniels-less system. Pass protection has also been a problem. It'll be tough to trust any piece of this Patriots passing game in early-season fantasy lineups.
There have been multiple reports of Patriots TE Jonnu Smith showing well in training camp workouts. Sounds like new QBs coach Joe Judge is a fan. "He had a terrific offseason for us," Judge said, per ESPN's Mike Reiss. The crowd of pass-catchers in New England is the biggest concern, limiting the opportunity for a guy who got a 4-year, $50 million deal in free agency last offseason. Reiss, at least, says the mere 18% of plays that put both Smith and Hunter Henry on the field last year should increase this season. Smith might still need a Henry injury to be usable outside of best-ball fantasy football leagues.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith is soaking up all the reps he can get in OTAs after missing time last offseason. “My [2021 offseason] was choppy and I missed some quality time here. I recognize how valuable that time is. I’m here to take advantage of that," Smith said Monday. After inking a 4-year, $50 million deal with New England last year, Smith's 2021 campaign was a disaster. He turns just 27 in August, though, and is at least worth keeping an eye on this summer.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is active for tonight's game vs. the Falcons. He's not a fantasy option but does put a small dent in TE Hunter Henry's profile.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game vs. the Falcons. He's not a fantasy option, but his absence would be a boost for TE Hunter Henry.
Patriots TE Jonnu Smith (shoulder) is inactive for today's game vs. the Browns. Hopefully you weren't planning on using him. Smith's absence could mean an extra target or 2 for TE Hunter Henry.
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