Who Should I Start? John Bates or Oronde Gadsden

Saturday, December 13, 5:41 PM

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates has served as the team's No. 2 option behind Zach Ertz this season, primarily as a blocker. With Ertz now out for the season with a torn ACL, Bates could be in line to take on more responsibility as a receiver. However, Washington could look to keep Bates in his normal role as one of the league's best blocking tight ends, a strength that earned him a three-year, $21 million contract extension this offseason. The Commanders could rely more on 2024 second-round pick Ben Sinnott as a receiver, who has the athletic traits and yards-after-the-catch ability to step into Ertz's role as the primary receiving option at tight end. The 28-year-old Bates has played more snaps and run more routes than Sinnott and fourth-string tight end Colson Yankoff, but he's not considered a legitimate receiving threat. He's collected eight catches for 71 yards on 12 targets in 11 games this season. With Washington's tight end situation murky in the wake of Ertz's injury, Bates shouldn't be considered as a fantasy option in Week 15 against the New York Giants.

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.