Irv Smith Jr. Fantasy

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

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. caught six passes for 53 yards, including two touchdowns, in the Vikings 52-33 loss to the Saints on Christmas Day. Smith was quarterback Kirk Cousin's 'Rudolph' in the red zone, guiding the veteran to find the tight end for two short-yardage scores. The second-year tight end now has three touchdowns over his last three games and will enjoy his highest fantasy value of the season as a possible streamer selection heading into Week 17.

Dec. 25th • 7:49 PM

Minnesota Vikings tight end Irv Smith Jr. will have a favorable matchup in Week 15 against a Bears Defense that is allowing the fourth most fantasy points to opposing tight ends. The 22-year-old has three touchdowns over his last three games and enjoyed one of his more active efforts last week with four catches for 63 yards, including one of those scores. The Bears have allowed nine touchdowns to the tight end position this season, including five scores over their last six games. Smith Jr. could continue his ascension in the offense this week and could post TE2-type numbers.

Dec. 16th • 2:39 PM