Week 4 vs Green Bay
Smith had the same number of catches as me last week at Arizona and just hasn't been in sync with Colin Kaepernick. In fact, they weren't in sync at all and really haven't been. The only saving grace this week is the 49ers could be forced to throw it around as they were in Week 2 at Pittsburgh, when Smith caught six passes and a touchdown. He's still a roll of the dice, however, and is only worth a start as a flex play.
Week 3 at Arizona
After catching just one pass in the opener, Smith grabbed six passes for 120 yards and a score last week, including a trademark 77-yarder in the fourth quarter. The 49ers really didn't open things up offensively until the fourth quarter, choosing to try to play it close to the vest early. That seems to be their preference, so it does make you wonder about Smith's long-term value. Use Smith as a flex player with plenty of upside. He's not likely to be a high-volume receiver this season, but he's still a home run hitter.
Week 2 at Pittsburgh
It was a tough and quiet opener for Smith in his 49ers debut as he was targeted just three times and made one catch for 11 yards. He's very familiar with the Steelers from his days in Baltimore where he mostly ran deep patterns against them. The Steelers really didn't give up anything over the top last week against New England, allowing just one completion over 19 yards, which doesn't necessarily bode well for Smith. I'd lay off using him this week unless you need to take a flier on a flex play and hope he gets loose.
Week 1 vs. Minnesota
Smith has been dealing with a knee injury that forced him out of preseason action, but he's probable to play against the Vikings in Week 1. He'll be the deep threat - as usual - for the 49ers, but since he's new to the 49ers offense, it could take some time for he and QB Colin Kaepernick to get on the same page. Then again, Kaepernick has the arm to sling it down the field and just let Smith run under it. Look for the 49ers to take a shot or two each game with Smith, which will make him a hit-or-miss receiver. But when he hits, it could be for a big strike. Smith is a decent flex play this against the Vikings this week.
Fantasy Upside
Smith caught 30 TD passes in four seasons in Baltimore (including 11 last season) and averaged 16.9 yards per catch. He's one of the best deep threats in the league.
Fantasy Downside
Smith's talent has added up to just one 1,000-yard season in his career. And that was with Joe Flacco, a much better all-round QB than Colin Kaepernick, throwing him the ball.
Bottom line
It's going to be tough for Smith to reach double digits in TDs again this season. But he should see more than the career-low 93 targets he had last season, when he also produced career lows in catches and yardage. He's going around round 9-10 in most fantasy drafts and while he'll be up and down, the ups could be pretty good.
Divisional Round – Torrey Smith vs. New England
Torrey Smith only caught two passes for 28 yards last week as the Ravens knocked off the Steelers in the wildcard round, but he did catch a touchdown pass and helped ensure the victory for Baltimore.
This week, Smith will face a Patriots pass defense that improved over the second half of the season and features two formidable corners in Darrelle Revis and the physical Brandon Browner. If Smith can get over the top against Browner, then he has the speed to make big plays, making him a top ten options still, but this is a week where there are several top notch receivers available in fantasy leagues. Smith should be viewed as a middle-of-the-road WR2 type of talent this week, and owners should be trying to get someone inside our top six.
Wildcard Weekend – Torrey Smith vs. Pittsburgh
Torrey Smith had an up and down year, but quietly finished with 11 touchdown receptions on the season, highlighted by a nice finish against the Browns last week, catching four passes for 83 yards and a touchdown in a much needed Ravens victory.
This week, he’ll face a Steelers defense that was stout against the run this year, but allowed 30 touchdown passes and over 4,000 passing yards to opposing teams this season. Smith has had mixed results against the Steelers in the past, but he has upside. This wildcard weekend is full of star receivers like A.J. Green, Calvin Johnson, Antonio Bryant, and Dez Bryant, but if you can’t lock up one of the top guys, Smith isn’t a bad fallback option. We have him inside our top ten this week in a crowded field.
Week 17 – Torrey Smith vs. Cleveland
Torrey Smith was the only Raven to put up good numbers last week against Houston. He finished the game with five receptions, 59 yards and a pair of second half touchdowns that proved to be too little too late against a strong Texans defense.
This week, Smith faces a tough Cleveland pass defense that ranks seventh in the league. The Ravens offense has struggled so much this year that it’s hard to justify trusting the speedy Smith to put up numbers. He should be considered a low-end WR2 this week at best.
Week 16 – Torrey Smith vs. Houston
Torrey Smith came into last week’s game battling injury, and he was held to only two catches and 16 yards against the Jaguars. He’s not on the injury report this week however, and Ravens fans will be hoping he comes into the game full strength as Baltimore pushes for a division title and playoff spot.
Against Houston this week, Smith has upside, but his health and inconsistency make him a risky option. Houston is tied for 26th in the league in passing yards allowed per game, which should allow Smith a chance to shine if he feels right. Fantasy owners should view him as a boom-or-bust risky option, and we have him ranked well outside starter territory.
Week 15 – Torrey Smith vs. Jacksonville
Torrey Smith sprained his knee last week against the Dolphins and wound up with a big goose egg for fantasy owners. This is a tough break, because Smith has become much more reliable over the course of the season.
This week, Smith will face the Jaguars, and because he’s seen increasing targets (especially in the red zone), he’s a half decent WR3 option against the Jaguars if he’s active. However, fantasy owners should be very cautious counting on the speedy Smith. Be sure to get him out of your lineup if he’s hobbled by the sprain or if he ends up missing the game.
