Bengals TE not as good as last 2 years.

[Clark W Griswold]

I think Hudson might be able to do what Uzomah/Hurst did for the offense. This is never going to be a TE first offense with Chase on the team.
The Bengals beat two of the teams you listed this season so maybe not the best examples. Kelce is a HOF talent with an all time great QB. Bengals are strong at WR (with healthy Higgins) so TE will only be the 4th or 5th option for them.

I agree Smith stinks but bad TE play is not at the top of the list for things holding this team back. O line is the #1 thing they need to fix.