Week 3 vs. Houston Texans
In Week 2, Virgil Green played 88% of the Chargers snaps but only had one reception for four yards, 6% of the team targets, and 2% of the team air yards. Philip Rivers prefers targeting Austin Ekeler and Keenan Allen with short passing attempts. Hunter Henry is still out for a couple more weeks but fantasy owners should look for other tight end streaming options because 4for4 rankings expert John Paulsen has Green ranked as the Half PPR TE30.
Week 2 at Detroit Lions
In Week 1, Virgil Green only played 42% of the Chargers snaps and had one reception for four yards. However, his snap percentage should increase significantly against the Lions because Hunter Henry suffered a tibial plateau fracture and will miss at least 4-6 weeks.
Desperate fantasy owners should look for other tight end streaming options because 4for4 rankings expert John Paulsen has Green ranked as the Half PPR TE28.
Week 11 vs. Denver Broncos
Virgil Green has taken over top tight end duties for the Chargers, playing more than 80 percent of snaps last week compared to less than 20 percent for Antonio Gates. However, neither of these players are starting considerations in fantasy lineups with Keenan Allen getting more than 35 percent of targets since the Chargers bye week.
Fantasy Upside
The Chargers offense took a major hit when Hunter Henry suffered an ACL injury during OTAs. So who's next in line? The team inked Green on the first day of free agency to a three-year deal to provide that type of veteran stability in addition to his talents on the field. A 6-foot-5, 255-pounder primarily known for his blocking prowess, the 29-year old hauled in 71 passes for 807 yards and four touchdowns in 100 career games for the Denver Broncos. He started all 16 games a year ago in Denver, catching 14 passes for 191 yards and one TD.
His most productive season came in 2016, when he set career-highs in receptions (22) and yards (237). “(Virgil) is a good player,” said offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. “One thing that he does bring, and you can see it, is he’s got credibility from having played. He’s been a good player. He’s made plays against these guys, and they know it. So that brings a lot to the table.”
Fantasy Downside
Green has never been asked to play a significant role as a receiver.
2018 Bottom Line
There’s been chatter about a possible Antonio Gates return, but nothing has materialized to this point and Green’s successful acclimation into the lineup will be important whether the veteran comes back for another year or not. All that said, it seems likely the Chargers will rely heavily on Green as a receiver. Fantasy managers should take a wait-and-see approach here.
Week 8 at Kansas City Chiefs
Trevor Siemian threw the ball 35 times last week versus the Chargers, but Virgil Green came away with just a 7-yard reception. While he seems to come away with a catch or two each week, he should not be on a fantasy roster.
Week 7 at Los Angeles Chargers
Even though Denver QBs threw the ball 54 times last Sunday night against the Giants, Virgil Green was targeted just once, resulting in a 24-yard reception. In five games this season, Green has only 7 catches. During the first meeting with the Chargers last month, Green’s only target resulted in a 44-yard reception. There is no reason for him to be wasting a fantasy roster spot.
Week 6 vs. New York Giants
While a tight end scored for the Broncos two weeks ago in the win over the Raiders, it was A.J. Derby who had the big game (4 catches, 75 yards, 1 TD) and not Virgil Green. Through the first four weeks of the season, Green has only 6 receptions for 73 yards and 1 TD. There is no reason for him to be taking up a fantasy roster spot.
Week 4 vs. Oakland Raiders
At Buffalo last week, Virgil Green received 3 looks from Trevor Siemian, leading to 3 grabs for 18 yards. While he has increased his reception total by one each week this season, Green has totaled just 73 yards on his 6 catches. There is no reason for him to be in your starting lineup.
Week 3 at Buffalo Bills
After catching just 1 pass in Week 1, Virgil Green was targeted 3 times last week versus Dallas, resulting in 2 grabs, 11 yards, and a TD. The score was the fourth of his seven-year career. Despite the touchdown, the Bills have done a good job at stopping opponents so far, ranking second in total defense. Green should only be started if you’re out of other options.
Week 2 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Trevor Siemian utilized his tight ends last Monday night in the Broncos' win over the Chargers. While Virgil Green caught the longest pass of the night (44 yards), fellow tight ends A.J. Derby and Jeff Heuerman combined for 4 grabs and 54 yards. Green is a block-first, pass catch-second player and will remain the starter because of his contribution to the rushing attack. Despite all the tight end action in Week 1, there is no reason for Green to be in your starting lineup.