JonnuSmith

News: 1 day agoSmith caught five of eight targets for 37 yards during Sunday's 20-6 loss to the Lions.

Spin: After not catching a pass in the season opener, Smith has recorded nine receptions (on 14 targets) for 84 yards over the last two games. The veteran finished second on the team in targets during Sunday's defeat, and his eight chances actually tie a career-high mark, which he's accomplished two other times. Given his recent usage, fantasy managers should keep an eye on Smith moving forward, but the 28-year-old tight end likely still has a limited ceiling in Atlanta's run-heavy offense.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Smith was traded to the Falcons after a disappointing two-year run in New England. In 30 games across two seasons with the Patriots, Smith averaged 2.8 targets per game and his lone TD came in the only game he reached double-digit fantasy points (10.4 in Week 4 back in 2021). The 2017 third-round pick is now reunited with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who called the plays when Smith posted a career-best 41-448-8 receiving line with Tennessee in 2020. Of course, even in his best season, the 28-year-old was not a reliable TE1 (16th in fantasy points), and he's now joining a run-first offense with QB uncertainty that will feature clear No. 1 TE Kyle Pitts. Smith is not close to fantasy relevance.