Who Should I Start? John Bates or Oronde Gadsden

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Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
1.9 0.0 0.0 0.8 7.4 0.1

John Bates News

John Bates Could See a Larger Role in Commanders Offense

Saturday, September 26, 6:18 PM

Across his first two games of 2026, Washington Commanders tight end John Bates has recorded just two catches for 13 yards on three targets. However, the 28-year-old could see more playing time in his team's Week 3 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Commanders TE1 Chig Okonkwo (hamstring) is set to miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury. While Bates was not heavily utilized in Week 2, Washington got uninspiring production from the tight end duo of Ben Sinnott and Colson Yankoff. Bates has recorded just 74 receptions across 84 career games with the Commanders, so he's no guarantee to step in and provide fantasy-relevant production. Still, Bates could be a name to monitor in deep fantasy leagues coming out of Week 3.

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Week 5 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
8.2 0.0 0.0 3.1 36.4 0.2

Oronde Gadsden News

Oronde Gadsden Borderline TE2 in Week 5 vs. Broncos

Saturday, October 10, 8:37 AM

Los Angeles Chargers tight end Oronde Gadsden could see more targets in his Week 5 matchup against the Denver Broncos. The Chargers officially ruled out wideout Quentin Johnston (chest), while wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) and tight end Charlie Kolar (forearm) are questionable for the contest. If McConkey and Kolar can't suit up, Gadsden would likely become Justin Herbert's No. 2 target in the passing game. Gadsden enters Week 5 as RotoBaller's PPR TE26 in an intriguing matchup. The Broncos defense will be without its top 2 cornerbacks, Patrick Surtain II and Riley Moss, and has allowed the 13th-most passing yards and the 14th-most passing touchdowns. However, Gadsden should still be viewed as a borderline TE2 in Week 5. Gadsden has had chances to assert himself in the Chargers' passing game while teammates battled injuries, but he hasn't been able to capitalize on the opportunity. He should remain out of lineups heading into Week 5.

John Bates vs. Oronde Gadsden

Still trying to decide between Bates and Gadsden? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that John Bates is projected to score 1.9 points this week while Oronde Gadsden is projected to score 8.2 points.