Week 13 vs Cowboys
Week 12 vs Bills
Since returning from injury, Tre'Quan Smith's numbers have improved and you can make the case he is Trevor Siemian's favorite target on the outside. His target numbers have increased each week, hitting eight targets and catching five passes against the Eagles. Certainly a very tough matchup on a short week against our No. 1 defense against opposing wide receivers. As has been the case all season, the Saints' WRs are low flex plays as they continue to be limited by the play of Trevor Siemian. But Smith is now the best of the bunch.
Week 5 vs Chargers
Week 4 was a bit of a breakout for Smith, catching two touchdown passes. He also continues to see more offensive snaps than Emmanuel Sanders. Smith and Sanders are nearly identical in their projected numbers and WR ranks for this week (Sanders at No. 41, Smith at No. 43).
Week 4 vs Lions
The Saints can't wait to get Michael Thomas back. This was thought to be a great opportunity for Tre'Quan Smith, who continues to out-snap Emmanuel Sanders (Smith played every offensive snap in Week 3) but still doesn't have a touchdown this season and just one double-digit scoring day in PPR (Week 2). Smith did see six targets on Sunday and has 14 total targets this season but isn't doing too much with them, with 132 yards on 10 catches. But it's certainly a big improvement from his 1 catch for 4 yards in Week 1.
Week 3 vs Packers
Smith easily topped Emmanuel Sanders in Week 2, playing six more snaps and seeing four more targets (7-3). Most importantly, Smith had five catches against the Raiders while Sanders had just one. That said, this is going to be a week-by-week case between these two. Smith is slightly ranked higher this week at No. 40, making him a Flex/WR4.
Week 2 vs Raiders
Smith saw 44 offensive snaps Sunday against the Buccaneers but was only targeted one time for just four yards. He's been up and down, though mostly quiet, throughout his time in New Orleans. If there was ever a time for him to break out, it's now. He's a wait-and-see option for now to see if he can finally become a viable option with Michael Thomas out. He's out WR49, making him borderline WR4/5 material.
Week 17 at Panthers
Smith is clearly the No. 2 wide receiver for the Saints, but that's in name only. Smith has seen two or fewer targets in three of the last four games, as the Saints feed Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara and Jared Cook. He's a straight upside gamble in Week 17.
Week 16 at Titans
The good news is that Smith has scored a touchdown in two straight games. The bad news is that he only has three catches in those games, including just one against the Colts in Week 15. Smith may have upside in daily fantasy, but he has too low of a ceiling for fantasy championship week.
Week 15 vs Colts
Smith once again saw the field more than Ted Ginn, so it's obvious he is the second wide receiver in the offense. He even caught a touchdown pass against the 49ers. But that continues to be what you're banking on with Smith. Otherwise, he doesn't produce a strong fantasy day and that's not what you're looking for in the fantasy semifinals. He has a low floor and a low ceiling.
Week 14 vs 49ers
Smith has worked his way up to playing about three-quarters of the Saints' offensive snaps over the last two weeks and is seeing the field more than Ted Ginn. The problem is he's still not seeing enough targets to be fantasy-relevant. The most targets he's seen in a game this season is three and he hasn't broken 20 yards receiving since Week 2. Even ahead of Ginn, he's too far down the pecking order to be trusted in the playoffs.
