Week 5 at Oakland
Hunter Henry had a nice day with Antonio Gates out and showed that the future of the position seems to be in good hands for the Chargers. Hunter put up a 4-61-1 line on seven targets after a 5-76-0 line last week with Gates out.
Henry had a key fumble late in Week 3, but made up for it in Week 4 with a very nice fantasy performance. This week, things look to be much easier for Henry as he takes on the Raiders, who are 22nd in allowing fantasy points to the position. If Gates is again out, Henry is a nice TE1 option and should be a big part of the passing game.
Week 4 vs. New Orleans
Hunter Henry busted out a bit in Week 3, catching five balls for 76 yards on five targets. He got more work because Antonio Gates was ruled out (and will possibly be out again in Week 4), leaving Henry as the team's TE1. He did have a key fumble late in the game that cost the Chargers a chance at a comeback.
It's not a great matchup against the Saints this week, who are fourth in allowing fantasy points to TEs. As a result, Hunter comes in ranked down our list at just 16th. Given the matchup and how little we know about Henry, this makes some sense. But QB Philip Rivers likes to target the TE, especially in the red zone, so Hunter certainly has some upside when you consider this and couple it with the stats he put up last week.
Fantasy Upside
The Chargers drafted Hunter Henry in the second round of the NFL Draft from Arkansas, and he will replace the departed Ladarius Green (Pittsburgh) as the No. 2 tight end behind Antonio Gates. As CBSSports.com noted, Henry was considered the No. 1 rookie tight end in the draft after he had 51 catches for 739 yards and three touchdowns in 2015 for the Razorbacks. He did not register a single drop last season as he was a consensus first team All-American and John Mackey Award Winner as the nation's top tight end.
Fantasy Downside
Rookie tight ends often struggle to emerge as immediate contributors.
2016 Bottom Line
It's no secret San Diego needs Henry to produce early across from Antonio Gates. The veteran is the only returning TE who suited up last season for the Bolts, so the team is counting on the rookie to emerge. "There's a reason why we picked him where we did," head coach Mike McCoy said. "He's going to help us win. I think Philip (Rivers) is going to love him." Despite the expectations, redraft owners should look elsewhere. Dynasty owners, however, should jump in with both feet.
