Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Everyone knows who the San Diego Chargers tight end is, Antonio Gates, but what if I told you there’s a backup tight end waiting in the shadows for his time to shine? Well there is, and his name is Ladarius Green.
Green has scored in the last two games and has accumulated nine catches for 206 yards and two touchdowns over the last three. Even with Gates on the field, Philip Rivers is still looking Green’s way. Rivers targeted Green six times in Week 13 and five in Week 12.
Gates came into Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury and was limited in practice all week, but he toughed it out against the Cincinnati Bengals. He caught three catches in the first quarter, but an early fumble cost Gates some playing time and Green became the man.
If Gates suffers a setback of any kind leading up to the Week 14 game, Green would be the No. 1 tight end and get No.1 tight end targets. Speaking of Week 14, the Chargers welcome the New York Giants. The Giants are the ninth-worst against tight ends, allowing 8.3 fantasy points per game.
The following week they travel to Colorado and will face the Denver Broncos. Surprisingly, the Broncos are 31st against opposing tight ends. They allow 9.7 fantasy points per game. With two good matchups in the next two weeks and a banged up Gates, Green becomes a nice sleeper in deep leagues.
Green is available almost 100 percent of ESPN.com leagues. If you own guys like Brandon Myers, Martellus Bennett or other inconsistent tight ends, Green is definitely worth a look.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy football writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @Mr_Piv1127.
