Jonnu Smith or Trey McBride: Who should I start in Week 17 Fantasy Football?

This year has been challenging for tight ends in fantasy football. Consistent performers such as Travis Kelce and Sam LaPorta have struggled to deliver reliable results. In contrast, players like Brock Bowers and Jonnu Smith have emerged to seize their opportunities.

Despite the overall inconsistency at the position, a few tight ends have managed to provide steady performances. Notably, Jonnu Smith and Arizona Cardinals TE Trey McBride have been reliable options. As we head into Week 17, let's evaluate the fantasy outlook for both Smith and McBride, given their intriguing matchups.

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Jonnu Smith fantasy projection for Week 17

t has become clear why Arthur Smith prioritized Jonnu Smith over Kyle Pitts in his offense during his tenure as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. Now serving as the offensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Smith's decisions were often scrutinized for their lack of fantasy football consideration. However, since Jonnu Smith signed with the Miami Dolphins, his true value is starting to shine.

In a Week 16 win over the San Francisco 49ers, Smith hauled in all six of his targets for 62 yards in what was his sixth straight top-10 fantasy performance at the position.

This week's matchup against Cleveland looks promising as well, as the Browns have allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing tight ends this season.

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Trey McBride fantasy projection for Week 17

In Week 16, the focus for the Arizona Cardinals was on Trey McBride's ongoing touchdown drought. Kyler Murray assured that his TE1 would catch a touchdown pass against the Carolina Panthers.

With Carolina allowing the most touchdowns to opposing tight ends, it seemed the perfect opportunity to end McBride's dry spell. However, the Cardinals significantly underutilized him, resulting in just three catches for 20 yards — a season low.

Despite McBride's uneventful night against the Panthers, this week's matchup against the LA Rams looks promising for one of the league's most consistent tight ends. He remains an elite player on both the gridiron and in fantasy football.

Jonnu Smith or Trey McBride fantasy projection for Week 17

Sportskeeda's free Start/Sit Projection Tool expects McBride to have a bounceback week against the Rams with a projected points total of 12 as compared to Jonnu Smith's 11.1.