Who Should I Start? Jake Tonges or Oronde Gadsden

Friday, November 7, 3:01 PM

San Francisco 49ers fourth-year tight end Jake Tonges filled in admirably while teammate George Kittle missed five games with a hamstring injury. However, since Kittle's return, Tonges has seen a total of 16 offensive snaps over the past three weeks. And while he did catch a two-yard touchdown in Week 8, it came on his lone target over that same timeframe. While Kittle has yet to top 4 targets or 45 yards since returning, Tonges no longer appears to have any role in this offense and can confidently be dropped by the select few fantasy managers who might still be holding him. Kittle remains an every-week starter, while the hope remains that the eventual return of quarterback Brock Purdy will put him right back into the weekly TE1 conversation.

Tuesday, December 16, 10:40 AM

Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden recorded four catches (five targets) for 61 yards in the Week 15 win over the Kansas City Chiefs, his most yards in a game since Week 9. Gadsden struggled to produce in the previous four games, totalling just seven receptions for 88 yards on 17 targets as his route participation dipped during that time. The Chargers have shifted to a more run-heavy approach and heavier pass protection with a banged-up offensive line, which has limited the rookie's production of late. The Syracuse product led the Chargers in receiving on Sunday but saw his route share dip to 54.5%, his lowest since he became a full-time starter. However, Gadsden is still involved in the passing game and has upside in a favorable Week 16 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. He is worthy of streamer consideration for the second round of the fantasy playoffs.