Jonnu Smith

Week 16 vs. San Francisco 49ers

I. continue to be as surprised as you, dear reader, that Jonnu Smith is a top-5 tight end in 2024. We're almost to 2025 and this is still the case. Wild times. Smith should benefit from no Jaylen Waddle this week and the return of the Dolphins' top two tackles, potentially.

The 49ers are no slouch against tight ends as they rank 6th aFPA against the position. Even though it is a difficult spot he's essentially the second or third target in the passing game and should be in your lineups. He's the TE4 on the week and easy start.

Week 14 vs New York Jets

There's a case to be made that Jonnu Smith is in the conversation for TE1 overall every week. I won't be making it, but it I've seen it made and I'm not exactly against it. Smith had 11 targets for 10 catches and 113 scoreless yards last week. As long as he continues one of the top three options in this Dolphins passing game he's for sure a TE1 and likely in the top half of the TE1's.

The Jets are 7th aFPA against tight ends so it's not exactly the best matchup, but you aren't benching Jonnu Smith with the heater he is on right now. You start him every week and don't think twice (for now).

Week 12 vs. New England Patriots

The emergence of Jonnu Smith has been coming. We saw Mike McDaniel talk him up in the summer and while it certainly sounded like bluster at the time, it is not now. He's been the TE8 in points per game since Tua Tagovailoa returned.

The Patriots are 21st aFPA against tight ends so it is another solid matchup for Smith. Given the bye weeks and the state as a whole of tight end, he's an easy TE1 this week and you're starting him unless you have one of the top four.