There’s nothing else like an AFC North matchup with gritty defenders, nasty rivalries, and throwback styles abound in these games. That includes old-school tight end play with a lot of blockers and runners into the flats. But Jonnu Smith is the rare pure pass-catching tight end you find in Pittsburgh. And we all know tight end player props are a bundle of fun.
Pittsburgh is a -5.5 favorite on the road on DraftKings Sportsbook. If you fancy a Bengals home upset, they’re priced at +220 on the Moneyline. The over/under for this game is set at 44.5 total points. Let’s go ahead and get into the top Jonnu Smith prop bet for this Thursday Night AFC North showdown.
Best Jonnu Smith prop bet
It hasn’t been the follow-up campaign Jonnu Smith hoped for. His 2024 season was a true breakout, reeling in 88 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns for the Dolphins. That earned Smith his first career Pro Bowl selection. That production has not translated this season with the Steelers, catching 17 passes for just 89 yards and one score. Not exactly a Pro Bowl campaign.
The change in styles plays a role. Miami was a fast-paced team that wanted to throw the ball often, while Pittsburgh often wants to run first. But he still takes a high snap share in most weeks and has garnered at least three targets in all five games.
If there’s an opportunity for a breakout game, it’s this one. Cincinnati has been rough when it comes to defending tight ends this season. Here are the receiving yard totals they’ve allowed to tight ends by week: 100, 17, 61, 66, 101, and 50. There’s plenty of meat on the bone in the middle of the field, and I expect Smith to take full advantage.
