Irv Smith Jr. Fantasy

Minnesota Vikings tight ends Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr. should both be considered starters going into the 2020 season, in the opinion of NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal. Rosenthal considers them both as starters over No. 3 receiver Bisi Johnson because each tight end played more than 600 offensive snaps in 2019. Smith was the youngest player taken in last year's draft, and he still impressed in his rookie season with 36 catches for 311 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games (seven starts). He won't turn 22 until August and is a breakout candidate despite fighting for targets with Rudolph. Even though Minnesota is a run-first squad, someone will have to make up for the absence of Stefon Diggs in the passing game. Draft Smith as an upside TE2.

May. 19th • 6:51 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. caught two of three targets for eight yards and a touchdown in Week 15's convincing win over the Los Angeles Chargers. His score was a one-yarder off of play-action to open up the game's scoring in the first quarter. It was the second touchdown of the promising rookie's career, with the first coming back in Week 11. That being said, Smith Jr. is still working behind Kyle Rudolph and does not receive enough volume to be in consideration for fantasy rosters heading into Week 16 against the Green Bay Packers.

Dec. 15th • 10:06 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. is not a recommended option for Week 15 against the Los Angeles Chargers. Smith Jr. actually received more snaps and targets than Kyle Rudolph in a Week 14 victory over the Detroit Lions, but he was only able to muster three catches for 21 yards. He just simply doesn't get enough targets or red-zone looks to be started with confidence this week, and the Chargers Defense being stellar against tight ends certainly doesn't help his outlook. There are likely higher-upside TE2 streamers available for you to use in your fantasy playoff matchup.

Dec. 14th • 1:27 PM