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Without veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph flanking him on the opposite side of the Vikings offensive line on Christmas Day, second-year tight end Irv Smith was elevated to TE1 status and performed well against the New Orleans Saints.
The 22-year-old tight end had one of his two best performances this season in the last three weeks on Friday. Smith produced a season-high six receptions (nine targets) for 53 yards and two touchdowns. The former Alabama Crimson Tide standout also had a career-high 17.3 fantasy points, which just shows the promise that he does have going into next season.
That being said, Smith should be able to continue his recent hot-streak next week against the Detroit Lions. On Saturday, we saw the Lions’ defense get absolutely lit up by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 47-7. Detroit gave up two touchdowns to tight end Rob Gronkowski, making that four receiving touchdowns allowed to opposing tight ends in the last four weeks.
Up next — Detroit Lions