Total Apex Bets & Fantasy

Nolan Smith Jr 2025 IDP Outlook: Big Jump Incoming for This Bulldog?

Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) reacts on the sideline during the second half of Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Nolan Smith Jr.’s improvement was the key to the 2024 success for the Philadelphia Eagles. He proved to be a very productive edge rusher for the No.1 defense in 2024 and beat out the top free agent signing in Bryce Huff by the midway point of the year. With the departure of Josh Sweat in the Offseason, Smith is going to have to make another leap as a full-time starter in 2025. Here’s his 2025 IDP Fantasy Outlook.

Nolan Smith Jr.’s 2024 Production

Nolan Smith Jr.
Jan 12, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) applies pressure on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love (10) during the first half in an NFC wild card game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Smith Jr. had 39 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, seven sacks, 11 QB Hits, two pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two fumble recoveries in 2024. Fantasy Data had that as a total of 76.7 fantasy points for the former Georgia Bulldog. Smith Jr. also had a productive playoff run for the eventual Super Bowl Champions as well, where he set the Franchise record of Sacks in a single playoff run with four sacks. 2025 should be another productive season for Smith, especially with him being the starter now full-time, and he’ll have to be one of the leaders of the defensive front. Here are his 2025 fantasy projections for the upcoming season. 

Nolan Smith Jr.’s 2025 Projections

Nolan Smith Jr.
Jan 26, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith Jr. (3) reacts after a play against the Washington Commanders during the first half of the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Fantasy Pros has the following stat projection for Nolan Smith Jr.: 51.2 total tackles, eight sacks, 1.1 fumble recoveries, for a total of 139.3 fantasy points. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Mike Clay has his projections at 51 total tackles, 10 TFLs, eight sacks, 0.1 interceptions, and 1.6 forced fumbles for a total fantasy points projection of 130.4 points. I think Smith could reach double-digit sacks this season if he continues to show his improvement from 2024, especially if Jalen Carter continues to draw the attention of all of the offensive line, leaving more one-on-one opportunities for Smith and Jalyx Hunt and others on the edge. 

Final Thoughts

Nolan Smith Jr is one of those underrated edge players in Fantasy for this upcoming season. He is going to have another strong season in Midnight Green like his 2024 season. The schedule is one of the tougher schedules, but I’m sure Smith Jr. is going to have another leap once again that will show that he’ll be one of those edge rushers that people could rely on throughout IDP formats in Fantasy. Total Apex Fantasy and Bets will have more Player Outlooks throughout the rest of the offseason. 

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Brandon Ellis

Proud JMU Alum, that is trying to make a name for himself in this industry that we call Sports Journalism. Who has had experience in the field with multiple Newspapers in the Shenandoah Valley. Current NBA/WNBA Content Manager for Total Apex Media. Fly Eagles Fly.

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