Tag: Antonio Gates

Many fantasy owners are trying to figure out whether to start Antonio Gates right now.  I too, am a Gates owner.  He is officially listed as doubtful, but if you’ve been keeping track of his news here on FantasySP then you’ll know it doesn’t sound promising.  This morning Chris Mortensen’s tweet didn’t seem to make the decision any better merely saying that he is “listed as doubtful”.

Do not start him because he is a huge risk right now.  Philip Rivers is not playing well and Gates is already hobbled in the first week of October.  Even if Gates does play, he may end up just being a decoy to free up Vincent Jackson (who has a much better chance of playing).  Sorry to say it owners, but you NEED to find a long-term starting solution for the tight-end position.

Fantasy owners looking for a big game with Antonio Gates were disappointed on Sunday where he did not record a catch in a loss to the Patriots.

Analysis: Surprised? You should be.  This is the first time Gates has been held without a catch since 2008 against the Raiders.  It looked like the Patriots defense was wearing him down throughout the game.  Meanwhile Vincent Jackson had a career day.  Philip Rivers did look Gates’ way a few times and one pass was actually intercepted.  No word yet on if he suffered an injury, but for now we have to assume he is fine going into week 3.

Projection: This is clearly an unusual week for Gates, but expect him to put up solid numbers next week against a horrible Kansas City team.

Antonio Gates owners had to deal with the news that he would not play in week 14.  With a short week, do not expect Gates to suit up in week 15 either.

Analysis: Coach Norv Turner said: “I always hold out hope with Antonio, but at some point you have to be realistic”.  You should have already picked up a tight end to play this week in place of Gates.  It is starting to look like Gates may not make an appearance during the fantasy playoffs.  Randy McMichael has not looked too impressive, so I wouldn’t just pencil him in your lineup unless you have no other option.

Antonio Gates had 6 receptions for 73 yards and 1 TD in a week 13 loss against the Raiders.

Analysis: This marks the first time since October that Gates has recorded a TD.  A hobbled Gates proves once again that he is the best fantasy tight end in the league despite being severely limited by injuries.  If Gates can continue to deal with the pain, then he has to be in your lineups.  Owners who benched him this week learned a valuable lesson.

High/Low: Expect 6 to 15 points against Chiefs in week 14, assuming he plays.