What to do with Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr. in Week 9 fantasy football

The Minnesota Vikings tight ends have not had a big role in the offense this season. Together, Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith have accounted for less than 300 receiving yards and have just one touchdown between the two of them. While they may see a little more work this week than last, it’s hard to bank on either player this week for fantasy football.

Fantasy Football analysis: Vikings TEs Kyle Rudolph, Irv Smith Jr.

Smith and Rudolph combined for two catches and 28 yards last week. Rudolph is still atop Smith on the depth chart, but there was a noticeable shift in the two games prior to last week’s outing. Smith was targeted five times in Minnesota’s Week 5 and 6 games, catching eight passes, four in each, for 108 yards. Rudolph was targeted just six times in those games. It’s not a lot of data to draw conclusions from, but it’s worth watching to see if the offense really is shifting toward Smith. Either way, it doesn’t matter much this week. Neither player is likely to contribute much.

The Lions happen to be pretty good against tight ends this season, with the notable exception of last week’s loss to the Colts. Only one opposing tight end has more than three catches against Detroit, Hayden Hurst of the Falcons.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Sit Kyle Rudolph and Irv Smith Jr.