Week 19 at New England Patriots
The Chargers go west to east for the second consecutive week to take on the Patriots in New England with a trip to the AFC Championship game on the line. The Bolts have the second-lowest implied team total of the eight remaining teams, however, at just 21.5 points. Hunter Henry may be activated for the first time this season, which would eliminate any sleeper consideration for Antonio Gates.
Week 17 at Denver Broncos
The Chargers offense will be at full strength in Week 17 with a chance to go from wild-card playoff team to home field advantage and playing against a potential lame duck coach in Denver's Vance Joseph. This is an offense to trust in the final week of the regular season, with an implied team total of 24 after being installed in Vegas as 6-point favorites. The Broncos are ranked third in aFPA to RBs, which could funnel more passes to Chargers pass catchers. However, Melvin Gordon and Keenan Allen are the primary targets in this offense, and the rest of the Chargers pass catchers have been an afterthought when those two have been healthy this season.
Week 16 vs. Baltimore Ravens (Saturday)
Los Angeles hosts Baltimore on a short week with a chance to get its offense back to full strength, with the return of Melvin Gordon and possibly Keenan Allen. This game has a low over/under of 43.5 points, with the Chargers having an implied total of 23.75, lower than recent weeks against a strong Baltimore defense. The Ravens rank 21st in aFPA to TEs this season. WR Keenan Allen will be a game-time decision after leaving last week's game with a hip pointer. If active, Antonio Gates cannot be considered even a desperation dart throw.
Week 13 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chargers have an average implied team total of just over 24 points this week, but with negative game script expected as a road underdog, and Melvin Gordon out this week with a knee injury, more passing should be expected. With Antonio Gates averaging less than three targets per game though, he's not a starting consideration in Week 13.
Week 12 vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Chargers have an implied team total of 28 points, an attractive projection. This is a run funnel defense that the Chargers will face with Arizona ranking top five in aFPA to TEs. Plus, last week was the first time Gates amassed more than 30 yards receiving since Week 3. Color us that skeptical he will have consistent fantasy play for the rest of the season. We are still fading Antonio Gates in Week 12.
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.
Week 10 at Oakland Raiders
Antonio Gates hasn't posted 20 yards or a touchdown since Week 4. There is no reason to consider him in lineups for Week 10, despite the good match-up on paper. His role is extremely limited.
Week 8 at Seattle Seahawks
Antonio Gates has only reached 40 yards in one game this season. He also has only scored in one game this season. Sadly, his best days are behind him both in real life and fantasy football.
Week 7 vs. Tennessee Titans (London)
The Chargers are favored with an implied team total of 26 points, foreshadowing what should be a successful offensive day for this offense. However, Antonio Gates only has one touchdown this season and one game where he has gained more than 30 yards. He can't be started with any confidence at this point in his career.
Week 6 at Cleveland Browns
The Chargers have a below average implied team total this week in Cleveland, facing a rebuilt Browns defense that has forced 11 turnovers in three home games this year. Antonio Gates has only one touchdown this year and less than 50 yards in every game. Look elsewhere for a tight end in Week 6.
