Irv Smith Jr. Fantasy

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. is already turning heads and gaining fantasy buzz with training camp right around the corner. The 22-year-old finished last season with only 30 receptions for 365 yards but caught five touchdowns. He also impressed down the stretch, averaging 3.75 catches for 45.75 yards with three touchdowns over his final four games. The Vikings coaching staff has raved about his offseason and believe Smith will play a bigger factor into their offense in 2021. It is too early to jump to conclusions but fantasy teams would be wise to monitor Smith's development throughout August.

Jul. 13th • 8:28 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have downplayed any role expansion for tight end Irv Smith Jr. now that Kyle Rudolph is in New York, but the Vikings only have two other proven pass-catchers on the roster in Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson. Smith has flashed some intriguing potential and will have more opportunities in 2021 on a team that puts its tight ends on the field more than most other teams in the league. The third-year tight end could be a breakout candidate as the team's No. 3 receiver. Smith was a top-five tight end late in the season when Rudolph was injured and definitely has a chance to become a more reliable TE1 this year. Target the 22-year-old as a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 with plenty of upside.

Jul. 6th • 8:26 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. will try and finish up his second NFL season strong in Week 17 against the Lions. Smith Jr. got off to a slow start but has come on in December, posting 13 receptions for 153 yards and three touchdowns over his last three games. He will go up against a Lions Defense that is allowing the ninth fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends but Smith Jr. scored twice against them in Week 9. The Vikings will be without star running back Dalvin Cook on Sunday, bumping up the fantasy value of all Vikings pass-catchers. Smith Jr. will be a touchdown-dependent option in DFS tournaments in Week 17.

Dec. 30th • 4:41 PM