As Week 16 approaches in Fantasy Football, the tight end position continues to present a conundrum for many players, especially those who have relied on streaming options like Theo Johnson and Oronde Gadsden II. With a mix of depth and varying performance levels, it is crucial to evaluate which player may provide a more favorable outcome heading into the critical matchups.
Theo Johnson, currently ranked TE17, has emerged as a key player for the New York Giants. Throughout the season, he has played every game, benefiting from the injury to teammate Malik Nabers. Johnson has accumulated 70 targets, translating to 45 receptions for 528 yards and five touchdowns, positioning him as the TE14 in Fantasy Football rankings. As the Giants prepare to face the Minnesota Vikings—who rank 14th against tight ends—Johnson presents a solid option. While the Vikings do not boast an exceptional defense against the position, Johnson’s consistent volume and touchdown potential make him a reliable choice, despite being more of a safe play than a high-upside risk.
On the other hand, Oronde Gadsden II is ranked TE16 and has had a noteworthy season himself, breaking records as a rookie tight end for the Los Angeles Chargers. So far, he has recorded 59 targets, 43 receptions, 602 yards, and two touchdowns. The Chargers will face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 16, who, although rank slightly better against tight ends at 15th overall, still allow for offensive exploitation. Gadsden’s 15-20% target share mirrors Johnson’s in volume, yet he has recently shown signs of resurgence, including a solid performance with 62 yards in his last outing.
When comparing the two, factors such as volume, matchup, and perceived trustworthiness come into play. Johnson has consistently surpassed a 20% target share, while Gadsden has a similar output yet slightly lower volume overall. The game script also suggests the Giants might land in a pass-heavy scenario as they are 3-point underdogs, while the Chargers are 2.5-point underdogs against the Cowboys, hinting at an equally competitive contest.
Ultimately, while both players present viable options, it may be prudent to lean towards Gadsden for a marginally better upside due to his connection with a potent Chargers offense. Each player offers potential benefits, ensuring that no choice is definitively wrong—making their upcoming games worth watching closely for Fantasy Football enthusiasts.