Sleeper Watch

Is LJ Smith a viable fantasy option at tight end?

Before the season, practically nobody would have answered yes to that question, but Philadelphia’s rookie TE just might be worth a look. Incumbent Chad Lewis’ role in the Eagles’ passing game has taken a nosedive, while Smith is receiving more and more looks from Donovan McNabb. Smith’s six catch, 97 yard breakout game against Atlanta last Sunday easily topped Lewis’ production over his last four games combined (5 receptions, 46 yards), and that trend may well continue.

Smith does have quite a bit going against him from a fantasy perspective. Firstly, tight ends not named Shockey, Gonzalez, Heap or Sharpe tend to be something of a crap shoot. Secondly, rookie tight ends in particular are notoriously unreliable. And finally, Lewis is still in the picture, which also lowers Smith’s value.

Nonetheless, for those in desperate need of a tight end (such as owners looking to replace Shannon Sharpe or Dan Graham this week), Smith is worth considering. The Rutgers alum has shown solid instincts and looked comfortable in the Eagles’ offense recently; what’s more, he faces the Packers on Monday night, and Green Bay’s defenders have had trouble stopping tight ends lately. Both Minnesota’s Jim Kleinsasser and Kansas City’s Tony Gonzalez were recently able to exploit this weakness and find the endzone.

Pickings at TE are always slim, but Smith is still available in many leagues. If you’re looking for help at this shallow position, he might turn into a nice waiver find.