Week 2 at Cincinnati
Ladarius Green owners weren't disappointed as the TE put up Antonio Gates-like numbers in Week 1 (five catches for 74 yards and a TD on six targets). Green has proved he's more than capable of this type of production. He just needed an opportunity. And, he will at least get three more weeks to show off his stuff as Gates serves the remainder of his suspension. Green comes in as a low-end TE1 this week in a decent matchup against the Bengals (who are 13th in fantasy points allowed to TEs). Green had a 2-45-1 game back in Week 13 of 2013 against the Bengals, so he's no stranger to success against Cincy.
Week 1 vs Detroit
Starting in 2013, Ladarius Green showed flashes at times, but would disappear the next week and not even see a target. Unfortunately, the curious case of Ladarius Green continued in 2014.
Green will theoretically get a chance to show his stuff for at least four weeks in 2015 as Antonio Gates is suspended. There have been reports Green is going through the concussion protocol, however, so we'll keep his status and ranking updated as more news is available.
Fantasy Upside
Although he gets a major opportunity with Antonio Gates suspended the first four games of the regular season, Ladarius Green claims nothing has changed. "My approach is the same," Green recently said. "I try and work hard every offseason and every training camp. So I come into it with the same mindset, trying to get better." While Green's approach may be the same, there is a heightened sense of urgency. He's headed into the final year of his rookie contract with a chance to earn an expanded role. "He's going to have an opportunity early on to do a few more things," HC Mike McCoy said. Green said he's getting about the same amount of reps as he usually does during camp. But he's getting more reps with the starters in preparation for more of role in the offense. "He seems faster than he's ever been," Rivers said. And the opportunity -- even if for only four games -- is appealing given Green's size and athleticism.
Fantasy Downside
The opportunity is only four games. Gates led the Chargers last season with 12 touchdowns, and was second on the team in receptions. The primary reason is the level of trust Rivers has in the veteran. It's a reach to believe Green is in the same league in that regard.
Bottom Line
Fantasy owners who were burned by Green when he was everybody's breakout darling won't be quick to repeat their mistake by investing heavily in him. I'd still prefer to draft Gates. That said, DFS players looking for reasonably priced prospects after spending heavily elsewhere might want to keep an eye on his price.
Week 15 - Green vs. Denver
Ladarius Green caught two balls for 15 yards. He's crept into the offense the last three weeks getting two catches in each of those games. However, it's just not enough to justify putting him in your lineup.
Week 13 - Green vs. Baltimore
Ladarius Green had two catches for 34 yards on three targets. It was his biggest fantasy output since Week 6 where he went 4-60-0. Obviously, Green can't be trusted in just about any fantasy format.
Week 12 - Green vs. St. Louis
Ladarius Green had just one catch for 12 yards last week. He was targeted twice. It's just the second catch Green has had in the last four games. He's not a safe fantasy play.
Week 11 - Green vs. Oakland
Back in Week 9, Ladarius Green was held to just one target. He has just two targets and one catch over the last three weeks and despite a decent matchup, can't be put in lineups.
Week 9 - Green vs. Miami
Ladarius Green saw just one target last week and finished with a catch for nine yards. Three of his last four games have featured one target or less.
Week 8 - Green vs. Denver
Ladarius Green was held without a catch last week and wasn't targeted. He played on just eight snaps, which was a season low. The last two weeks he played on about 50% of the snaps. It's the third game he's been held to one catch or less. He's a boom or bust play every week until he starts getting consistent playing time.
Week 7 - Green vs. Kansas City
Ladarius Green made another appearance last week, catching four balls for 60 yards on five targets. He's had two games of 60-plus yards but four games of 24 yards or less. Until he starts getting more consistent playing time, it's hard to count on anything from Green week-to-week.
