Assessing Chargers players for Week 16 in fantasy football

After riding a four-game win streak, the Bolts had a very disappointing performance against a suddenly resurgent Kansas City Chiefs team. The Bolts’ game against the ailing New York Jets is now a must-win game if the Chargers want any chance of making the postseason this year.

With some help from other teams, a Los Angeles Chargers’ win this week could help potentially propel them into a playoff spot. This week’s matchup with the Jets is a very winnable game for the Bolts, as the Jets have struggled as of late and recently lost starting quarterback Josh McCown. In many fantasy leagues, this week is the championship, and the Chargers’ players seem poised to have big numbers on Sunday. Before we look at this week’s fantasy prospects, let’s take a look at some of the significant performances from last week.

Melvin Gordon

CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 03: Melvin Gordon /

Melvin Gordon, who has been good as of late, had another big outing against the Chiefs. With over 150 combined yards on 19 carries and six catches and a rushing touchdown, Gordon was all over the field.

With the rushing attack seeming to be picking up, Gordon seems to be in for a bigger workload. The Jets just gave up a big game to the New Orleans Saints backfield, so I would expect Gordon to have a good day on Sunday. He remains a strong RB1 option.

Philip Rivers

CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Quarterback Philip Rivers /

Philip Rivers, who hadn’t thrown an interception since Week 10 against Jacksonville, had three taken away from him against the Chiefs. In both games against the Chiefs this season, Rivers had very poor outings, but against other teams he has still looked pretty good.

Although this last performance is rather discouraging, one cannot simply ignore how he was playing before that game. Expect Rivers to have a bounce-back game against the struggling Jets, but I no longer think Rivers is a must-start.

Antonio Gates

CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Tight end Antonio Gates /

While Antonio Gates’ game against the Chiefs wasn’t too spectacular, as he only had one catch for a 10-yard touchdown, his value recently increased with Hunter Henry’s move to IR.

Although Henry moving to IR essentially makes Gates the No.1 tight end, it’s more likely the Chargers just won’t target the tight end position as much, as the wily veteran seems to have lost a step. Don’t start Gates this week, but perhaps keep him as an interesting prospect.

Start or Sit?

CARSON, CA – DECEMBER 10: Running back Melvin Gordon /

Here are the players previously mentioned along with some who were not, with the parentheses indicating the tier of each player in fantasy terms and my projection for them this week.