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Head to Head

Updated from live stats

Jake Tonges vs Jonnu SmithWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Jake Tonges is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 8.5 PPG to Jonnu Smith's 8.2 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Jake Tonges is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Jake Tonges edges Jonnu Smith by 0.3 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Jake Tonges goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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TESan Francisco 49ers#15PPG LEADER
Jake Tonges
PPG
8.5
Games
9
Rec
34
Rec Yds
293
Rec TDs
5
Targets
46
Bye
Week 8
TEMiami Dolphins#99
Jonnu Smith
PPG
8.2
Games
15
Rec
52
Rec Yds
562
Rec TDs
4
Targets
68
Bye
Week 6

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Jake Tonges
Jonnu Smith

Head to Head

8.5 PPG8.2 PPG
9 GP15 GP
Bye: Week 8Bye: Week 6

Fantasy Tiers

Jake Tonges: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) TE (ranked #15 at the position). Jonnu Smith: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Jake Tonges is producing at 39% of elite pace and Jonnu Smith at 37%. That ranking gap means Jake Tonges carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Jake Tonges vs Jonnu Smith: The Full Breakdown

The gap between Jake Tonges and Jonnu Smith is smaller than most fantasy managers think. Separated by just 0.3 PPG in 2025, this is one of those tight end decisions that comes down to context, not name recognition. Jake Tonges averaged 8.5 PPG with the San Francisco 49ers across 9 games, and Jonnu Smith posted 8.2 with the Miami Dolphins in 15.

When two tight ends are separated by less than two points per game, the decision shifts to weekly context. Who has the softer defense? Who is trending up over the last month? Which team is projected for more total points? Those are the tiebreakers that actually matter.

Jonnu Smith is the volume tight end in this matchup with 52 receptions for 562 yards, while Jake Tonges profiles as a more touchdown-dependent spike play (5 scores on 34 catches). In weeks where Jake Tonges finds the end zone he out-scores Jonnu Smith, but the floor gap is real.

Jake Tonges has his bye in Week 8, and Jonnu Smith rests in Week 6. Managers rostering both need waiver wire depth at tight end for those two weeks, and that is exactly the kind of planning DraftCall's matchup engine surfaces automatically so you are not scrambling on a Sunday morning.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Jake Tonges (age 26) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Jonnu Smith (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value.

Did You Know?

  • Jake Tonges outscored Jonnu Smith by a projected 5 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Jonnu Smith played 15 games in 2025 compared to Jake Tonges's 9. That durability gap means Jonnu Smith contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
  • Jake Tonges scored 5 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.6 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
  • Jonnu Smith saw 68 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jake Tonges vs Jonnu Smith: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatJake TongesJonnu Smith
PPG (Half-PPR)8.58.2
Games Played915
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)77123
Receptions3452
Rec/Game3.83.5
Receiving Yards293562
Rec Yds/Game32.637.5
Receiving TDs54
Targets4668
Target Share/Game5.14.5
Age26-
Experience3 yrs-
Bye WeekWeek 8Week 6

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Jake Tonges holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 8.5 points per game. Jonnu Smith averaged 8.2 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Jake Tonges or Jonnu Smith in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Jake Tonges has the edge at 8.5 PPG compared to Jonnu Smith's 8.2 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Jake Tonges and Jonnu Smith average in 2025?

Jake Tonges averaged 8.5 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 9 games in 2025. Jonnu Smith averaged 8.2 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.3 points per game.

When are Jake Tonges and Jonnu Smith's bye weeks in 2026?

Jake Tonges (SF) has a bye in Week 8, and Jonnu Smith (MIA) has a bye in Week 6. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Jake Tonges or Jonnu Smith a better fantasy tight end in 2026?

Jake Tonges outscored Jonnu Smith by 0.3 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.

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