Getty Vyncint Smith Fantasy
The Houston Texans’ WR corps is significantly depleted. Demaryius Thomas ruptured his Achilles tendon on Sunday and is done for the season. In his stead, undrafted rookie wide receiver Vyncint Smith stepped up big time with a 35-yard TD catch to give the Texans a late lead over the Philadelphia Eagles.
The catch was just Smith’s second of the season. He had a 28-yard reception on September 23 against the New York Giants. Smith hails from tiny Limestone College. He stands 6’3″ and is listed at 195 pounds. If Smith does indeed get the nod to start in Week 17, expect Smith to get an opportunity to make some big plays down the field.
He’s not seen as a possession receiver, thus his targets may not be high. DeAndre Hopkins will almost certainly get the bulk of the looks from QB Deshaun Thomas, however, the pass to Smith in the fourth quarter shows the second-year signal-caller has some confidence in the rookie.
Watson and Smith will likely need to continue to develop their chemistry heading into the Week 17 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It could be a tough day for the Texans’ passing game. The Jags have the second-best pass defense in the NFL. When the two teams met earlier this season, Watson had one of his weakest games statistically.
Watson threw for just 143 yards and a TD to DeAndre Hopkins. On the bright side, Texans receiver Will Fuller, who at the time played a role similar to what the team will look for from Smith, led the team in receptions with six for 68 yards.
Is it possible for Smith to produce a similar game and perhaps even find the end zone? Sure, but it’s difficult for me to confidently recommend Smith. Depending on what you have at other positions, Smith could be an option, but I’d more than likely leave him as a possibility at the flex position.