Key Highlights
- Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Indianapolis Colts in Week 9.
- Jonnu Smith is not on the injury report and expected to play.
- Smith’s fantasy points projection for Week 9 is 7.5 in PPR formats.
- Weather conditions could impact the passing game, particularly with precipitation.
Fantasy Football Update: Jonnu Smith’s Prospects for Week 9
The upcoming matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Indianapolis Colts marks a critical week for fantasy football enthusiasts. The focus is squarely on tight end Jonnu Smith, who will be key to many roster decisions this weekend.
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts
This Week 9 showdown between the Steelers and Colts is set for November 2, 2025, with kickoff scheduled at 7:30 AM EST. The Colts enter the game with a strong record of 7-1, while the Steelers have managed to stay competitive at 4-3. This matchup will be crucial in determining how well both teams perform against each other.
Jonnu Smith’s Status and Performance
Jonnu Smith is currently not on the Steelers’ injury report, suggesting he should start as expected for Week 9. However, his recent performance has been underwhelming compared to his early season contributions. In the first game of the season, he caught five passes but hasn’t replicated that success since.
Smith’s consistency in terms of volume and long receptions has been concerning.
Over seven games, he has failed to record a catch gaining more than 10 yards on six occasions. This trend is particularly noteworthy given his previous standout performance against the Miami Dolphins last season.
Start or Sit Jonnu Smith?
The question of whether to start Jonnu Smith remains relevant for many fantasy owners, especially considering the Steelers’ recent struggles and the Colts’ strong defense. Pat Freiermuth has been leading in targets, while Darnell Washington continues to be an asset in scoring situations.
Given his current role and performance metrics, it might be wise for many fantasy owners to consider sit options or streamers for Smith this week unless he shows significant improvement. The Steelers’ offense has been inconsistent, making it difficult to predict his contributions accurately.
Weather Impact on the Game
The forecast for kickoff calls for a temperature of 46 degrees Fahrenheit with light winds (2 mph). However, precipitation could play a significant role in affecting the game’s dynamics. The passing game might be particularly impacted if the weather turns inclement.
Fantasy owners should keep an eye on these conditions and adjust their strategies accordingly to mitigate potential risks associated with poor field conditions or turnovers caused by wet ball situations.
Conclusion
The upcoming Week 9 matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Indianapolis Colts presents a challenging environment for tight end fantasy players, particularly Jonnu Smith. With his recent performance concerns and the potential weather impact, owners should exercise caution in their lineup decisions. The free PFSN Fantasy Start-Sit Optimizer can provide additional insights to help make informed choices this week.
