Head to Head

Updated June 3, 2026 from live stats

Jonnu Smith vs Zach ErtzWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Jonnu Smith is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 8.2 PPG to Zach Ertz's 7.8 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Jonnu Smith is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Jonnu Smith edges Zach Ertz by 0.4 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, Jonnu Smith 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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TEMiami Dolphins#99PPG LEADER

Jonnu Smith

PPG

8.2

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

562

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 6

TEWashington Commanders#20

Zach Ertz

PPG

7.8

Games

Rec

Rec Yds

504

Rec TDs

Targets

Bye

Week 7

The Edge Chart

Jonnu Smith

Zach Ertz

Head to Head

8.2 PPG7.8 PPG

15 GP13 GP

Bye: Week 6Bye: Week 7

Fantasy Tiers

Jonnu Smith: Tier 5 (Deep League) TE (ranked #99 at the position). Zach Ertz: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) TE (ranked #20 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Jonnu Smith is producing at 37% of elite pace and Zach Ertz at 35%. That ranking gap means Zach Ertz carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Jonnu Smith vs Zach Ertz: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Jonnu Smith finished the 2025 season at 8.2 PPG over 15 games with the Miami Dolphins, while Zach Ertz clocked in at 7.8 across 13 appearances for the Washington Commanders. A 0.4-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Jonnu Smith had 52 catches for 562 yards; Zach Ertz posted 50 for 504. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.

One scheduling note: Jonnu Smith is off Week 6 and Zach Ertz Week 7. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

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: Jonnu Smith (age 27) is in the middle of his productive window. Stable dynasty value. Zach Ertz (age 35) is in the later years of production. Still a redraft asset, but dynasty value is declining.

Did You Know?

•Jonnu Smith outscored Zach Ertz by a projected 7 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Jonnu Smith played 15 games in 2025 compared to Zach Ertz's 13. That durability gap means Jonnu Smith contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Jonnu Smith scored 4 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
•Zach Ertz saw 72 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Jonnu Smith vs Zach Ertz: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Jonnu Smith	Zach Ertz
PPG (Half-PPR)	8.2	7.8
Games Played	15	13
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	123	101
Receptions	52	50
Rec/Game	3.5	3.8
Receiving Yards	562	504
Rec Yds/Game	37.5	38.8
Receiving TDs	4	4
Targets	68	72
Target Share/Game	4.5	5.5
Age	-	35
Experience	-	12 yrs
Bye Week	Week 6	Week 7

Summary

Jonnu Smith outscored Zach Ertz by 0.4 PPG in 2025 (8.2 to 7.8). That production gap is the baseline, but weekly context shifts the answer. DraftCall analyzes matchup difficulty, scoring trends, and health data to deliver a clear start or sit recommendation backed by real reasoning.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Jonnu Smith or Zach Ertz in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Jonnu Smith has the edge at 8.2 PPG compared to Zach Ertz's 7.8 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 Jonnu Smith and Zach Ertz average in 2025?▾

Jonnu Smith averaged 8.2 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Zach Ertz averaged 7.8 PPG over 13 games. That is a difference of 0.4 points per game.

When are Jonnu Smith and Zach Ertz's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Jonnu Smith (MIA) has a bye in Week 6, and Zach Ertz (WAS) has a bye in Week 7. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Jonnu Smith or Zach Ertz a better fantasy tight end in 2026?▾

Jonnu Smith outscored Zach Ertz by 0.4 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.