Antonio Gates (1 Viewer)

[Gordon09]

Right now Gates is far and away the best TE. In standard scoring non-ppr leagues he has 89.8 FP, with Keller being TE2 at 56.8. The situation reminds me of the late 90's when Tony Gonzalez was the only TE putting up big numbers, and therefore was drafted as high as the late 1st round in some leagues, if I recall correctly. I can't help but feel right now is the time to cash in on his value, given that your league has an over-zealous owner willing to give up some big time players for him.

This isn't to suggest that I think Gates is incapable of outscoring the rest of the TE field by a large margin, I just feel he's destined to fall off his current pace (1530 yds, 22-23 TDs) and not outscore them by such an astronomical amount. Am I crazy to think that using him to load up at RB, WR, or wherever you need is the right move here, specifically if you have another option like Hernandez, Moeaki, or one of the other WW TE's I know a lot of people that peruse these boards have grabbed? Has anyone traded him or tossed out some offers? I'd like to get a feel for what kind of value he's currently fetching, and also some insight on the idea in general. Does he present such an advantage that you basically can't trade him?

 

[savemejee]

Yes. And the crazy thing is that he's putting up those kinds of numbers with about 7 targets a game.

 

[Touchdown Syndrome]

I'm not in the habit of trading away huge difference-makers.

However, if someone was able to deal Gates in a package for an elite RB, then it should obviously be considered.

Trading away Gates likely puts a large dent in your starting lineup, so the upgrade at another position would have to be substantial. Especially if you're planning on replacing Gates in your starting lineup w/Moeaki or someone like that.

Only trade Gates if you are in desperate need of help at other positions....not because you're trying to micro-manage and "sell high".

JMO

 

[stewartcjae]

Right now Gates is far and away the best TE. In standard scoring non-ppr leagues he has 89.8 FP, with Keller being TE2 at 56.8. The situation reminds me of the late 90's when Tony Gonzalez was the only TE putting up big numbers, and therefore was drafted as high as the late 1st round in some leagues, if I recall correctly. I can't help but feel right now is the time to cash in on his value, given that your league has an over-zealous owner willing to give up some big time players for him.This isn't to suggest that I think Gates is incapable of outscoring the rest of the TE field by a large margin, I just feel he's destined to fall off his current pace (1530 yds, 22-23 TDs) and not outscore them by such an astronomical amount. Am I crazy to think that using him to load up at RB, WR, or wherever you need is the right move here, specifically if you have another option like Hernandez, Moeaki, or one of the other WW TE's I know a lot of people that peruse these boards have grabbed? Has anyone traded him or tossed out some offers? I'd like to get a feel for what kind of value he's currently fetching, and also some insight on the idea in general. Does he present such an advantage that you basically can't trade him?

Lets say you have Hernandez or Moeaki.....currently in my league Gates is averaging 20.83 pts/game with hernandez at 8.5 and moeaki at 9.3. So if you can get a player or combo of starters to cover or improve on that 12point loss then maybe. I see his production dropping, but I am not taking the chance that I would trade him and he keeps it up.

 

[Air Stich]

I wouldn't trade him for almost anything at this point. He'd probably be the 8-12th player off the board if we redrafted today. He's more valuable than a stud WR1 at this point.

 

[r3t2]

I wouldn't trade him for almost anything at this point. He'd probably be the 8-12th player off the board if we redrafted today. He's more valuable than a stud WR1 at this point.

i have him on one dynasty team this year and i would not trade him for anything. to be fair, that team is pretty loaded, but still...you play to win the championship and this guy is lapping the other TEs.

 

[BigDave]

I'm in a 10 team non ppr league and we're not required to play a TE. (we use a flex RB,WR or TE)

I drafted him #69, end of the 7th round. He's #8 in points in ALL positions. He's behind Foster and QB's only.

There is no way I would trade him for anyone at this point. He'll be my flex player for the remainder of the season and in the playoffs!

 

[OU#1]

In .5/1.0/1.5 PPR leagues he's even more valuable. What WR would you trade him for in this format straight up?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Lets say you have Hernandez or Moeaki.....currently in my league Gates is averaging 20.83 pts/game with hernandez at 8.5 and moeaki at 9.3. So if you can get a player or combo of starters to cover or improve on that 12point loss then maybe. I see his production dropping, but I am not taking the chance that I would trade him and he keeps it up.

The thing is, you'd be hard pressed to find many situations where you're going to get that kind of upgrade. That's the difference between Chris Johnson and Brandon Jacobs, or between Roddy White and James Jones.The difference between TE1 and TE2 is 43 points. For WRs, 43 points is the difference between WR1 and WR36. That's absurd.

 

[dcgangstas]

Unless I intended to package Gates with a RB to get Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, no way in hell do I trade him.

 

[maxwjom0]

I was offered Witten and DWill for Gates in a PPR. I am thinking about it as DWill will prob start for me.

 

[Michael Brown]

Sounds like a lot of people are getting blinded by what he's done so far. You don't get future points for what he's done over the first five games, all that matters is what he's going to do the next eleven.

The fact that people wouldn't even consider trading him unless they're getting a stud RB1 tells me all I need to know about his perceived value right now. He's not going to put up 1,500 yards and 22 TDs, so he's a prime guy to sell high. The ideal package would be to move him to another team for their good TE and stud at another position (Say, RB1 + Tony Gonzalez or Dallas Clark).

 

[BucFan40]

I just traded Gates/Maclin for Andre Johnson and Finley, I have Hernandez as a backup and a bunch of under performers at WR so I'm hoping that I'm in a decent position for the playoffs if/when Finley returns.

 

[bleachercreacher]

Sounds like a lot of people are getting blinded by what he's done so far. You don't get future points for what he's done over the first five games, all that matters is what he's going to do the next eleven.The fact that people wouldn't even consider trading him unless they're getting a stud RB1 tells me all I need to know about his perceived value right now. He's not going to put up 1,500 yards and 22 TDs, so he's a prime guy to sell high. The ideal package would be to move him to another team for their good TE and stud at another position (Say, RB1 + Tony Gonzalez or Dallas Clark).

I disagree. There is no way he is a sell high at this point. I agree that it is very unlikely that he will put up 1500 yards and 22 TD's this season, but that is his ceiling at this point. I think his floor is 85/1200/13 for the rest of the season. He is clearly the number 1 redzone target on his team, and with Floyd finally starting to fill the number 1 WR role for the Chargers it should open up more room underneath. Unless I am very weak at RB there is no way I would trade him. Could you imagine trading away Peyton Manning or LT during one of their record breaking years?

 

[cubbie5150]

Sounds like a lot of people are getting blinded by what he's done so far. You don't get future points for what he's done over the first five games, all that matters is what he's going to do the next eleven.

The fact that people wouldn't even consider trading him unless they're getting a stud RB1 tells me all I need to know about his perceived value right now. He's not going to put up 1,500 yards and 22 TDs, so he's a prime guy to sell high. The ideal package would be to move him to another team for their good TE and stud at another position (Say, RB1 + Tony Gonzalez or Dallas Clark).

I disagree. There is no way he is a sell high at this point. I agree that it is very unlikely that he will put up 1500 yards and 22 TD's this season, but that is his ceiling at this point. I think his floor is 85/1200/13 for the rest of the season. He is clearly the number 1 redzone target on his team, and with Floyd finally starting to fill the number 1 WR role for the Chargers it should open up more room underneath. Unless I am very weak at RB there is no way I would trade him. Could you imagine trading away Peyton Manning or LT during one of their record breaking years?

I can...and I did. Sold Peyton during his record 49 TD year... I am a believer in regression, but what I learned after that trade is when it comes to super stud players, the possibility of s "special" season cannot be ignored. It's one thing to trade away Brandon Loyd as a sell high, but a proven stud like Gates? I'd rather roll the dice & keep for a possible year for the history books....

 

[Badgers Fan]

I personally lack depth but am very top heavy at the skill positions. I briefly entertained the idea of trading Gates for an Aaron Hernandez type and pick up some good wr3 and rb3 types (A.Hernandez, TO/crabtree, and felix is what i was thinking). But its just a huge advantage with Gates. I do happen to have built a great team so i have advantages all over, but it's like sticking a top 5 wr in my TE spot. At the time I thought I took gates very early in my two leagues, 40th n 44th overall. Now it obvious I have tremendous value. With Malcom Floyd coming on strong, there is no way teams can double team Gates, or even put their top corner on him. That is just awesome. One thing I must point out is his 16.5 ypc. Last year, at 14.7 I believe that was the NFL record for a certain number of catches for tight ends (off the top of my head). They do use him as more of a wr tho, so he may end up with a rather high ypc anyways, but im just throwing out that he is shattering his own nfl record for that stat. This td pace he's on is just crazy and I along with most highly doubt he can sustain it. It's very probable he plays at a 90catch/1300 rate the rest of the way, maybe even better. He'll probably kick in 7-9 tds too. Selling high for the right price is an option, but am I the only one that thinks this may go down as the best fantasy season ever by a tight end? Also, Gates will probably be on alot of championship squads. Look at your leaguemates. Hoping vick stays hurt so celek has value. Watching moss go to the vikings and having shiancoe's value take a huge hit. Owen not healthy. Jermichael hurt. If your league is fairly standard, look at the league leaders in points. The only one with a major margin at any of the positions, is Gates.

 

[bleachercreacher]

Sounds like a lot of people are getting blinded by what he's done so far. You don't get future points for what he's done over the first five games, all that matters is what he's going to do the next eleven.

The fact that people wouldn't even consider trading him unless they're getting a stud RB1 tells me all I need to know about his perceived value right now. He's not going to put up 1,500 yards and 22 TDs, so he's a prime guy to sell high. The ideal package would be to move him to another team for their good TE and stud at another position (Say, RB1 + Tony Gonzalez or Dallas Clark).

I disagree. There is no way he is a sell high at this point. I agree that it is very unlikely that he will put up 1500 yards and 22 TD's this season, but that is his ceiling at this point. I think his floor is 85/1200/13 for the rest of the season. He is clearly the number 1 redzone target on his team, and with Floyd finally starting to fill the number 1 WR role for the Chargers it should open up more room underneath. Unless I am very weak at RB there is no way I would trade him. Could you imagine trading away Peyton Manning or LT during one of their record breaking years?

I can...and I did. Sold Peyton during his record 49 TD year... I am a believer in regression, but what I learned after that trade is when it comes to super stud players, the possibility of s "special" season cannot be ignored. It's one thing to trade away Brandon Loyd as a sell high, but a proven stud like Gates? I'd rather roll the dice & keep for a possible year for the history books....

I actually forgot about Brady when I listed those players. I traded him away before the season when he threw 50 TD's in a league that gives 10 points for all TD's. I ended up winning the championship that season, but it was only because of Brady's week 15 against the Jets. Our league gives money to the weekly points winner, and the Brady owner won more money than me, the champion. Don't over think this. Like I said, unless you are very weak at a position just enjoy the ride.

 

[TitanicHornet]

I wouldnt trade Gates at all right now if ever this year. Having Gates is really like having a solid #2 WR on your squad not a TE, so if you're a little weak at WR Gates will make up for that most weeks. This is why people take him in the 4th or 5th instead of loading up on WRs like Ocho Cinco etc. Dude has been a model of consistency his whole career and has missed about 3 games in 5 years.

 

[sspunisher]

I'm a Gates owner and it would take A LOT to get him off my team. Probably only thing I'd accept for him is Jermichael Finley and an ELITE WR like Miles Austin, but that was before Finley got hurt and b/c I'm very weak at WR currently. I don't know about other scoring formats, but Gates is the #3 OVERALL in points in my league, he's only behind Manning and Rivers, that's crazy it's like I'm starting an elite QUARTERBACK in my TE slot.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I guess Im underselling how important Gates has been to my 3-2 squad, because I would definitely move him - but for the right price...Eli is the only QB I have rostered, Best is the only RB I have that youll see consistently ranked in FBGs Top 20 RBs, but I have Gates as my TE, and Randy Moss, Austin, Nicks, Tampa Mike (and formerly Mark Clayton) at WR...My WR/TEs are carrying my team, and although Gates is helping, balance wouldnt hurt. Based on the prices Im reading in here, I think its actually worth shopping him.

 

[DoubleG]

Unless I intended to package Gates with a RB to get Adrian Peterson or Chris Johnson, no way in hell do I trade him.

And I play in a dynasty league and have Finley and M. Lewis. The advantage he is giving (this season especially with VJax out) is simply absurd. So much so that it almost doesnt make sense to trade him - there is no way you will replace his actual value.

 

[fsufan]

I wouldn't trade him for almost anything at this point. He'd probably be the 8-12th player off the board if we redrafted today. He's more valuable than a stud WR1 at this point.

my league TEs are the same position as WRs, Gates is the #1 WR/TE, no PPR. but he is also #1 WR and TE in my PPR league that requires a TE.

 

[Pickle Rody]

In one of the leagues in which I own him, Gates is the 6th highest scoring player in the league - behind 4 QB's and 1 RB. The highest scoring WR is Nicks (who I luckily own) who is ranked 12th. So Gates is more valuable right now than any WR out there. I had him on the block a week ago because I also have Finley and thought I might get a great offer, but the most I was offered for him was Colston straight up. Now that Finley is dinged, I'm not moving him for anything. The other reason is that I don't have any glaring needs at the other skill positions.

That being said, I can understand trying to get a true stud at another skill position if you are really hurting and have a decent backup to take Gates place.

 

[LionOfGosforth]

In one of the leagues in which I own him, Gates is the 6th highest scoring player in the league - behind 4 QB's and 1 RB. The highest scoring WR is Nicks (who I luckily own) who is ranked 12th. So Gates is more valuable right now than any WR out there. I had him on the block a week ago because I also have Finley and thought I might get a great offer, but the most I was offered for him was Colston straight up. Now that Finley is dinged, I'm not moving him for anything. The other reason is that I don't have any glaring needs at the other skill positions. That being said, I can understand trying to get a true stud at another skill position if you are really hurting and have a decent backup to take Gates place.

Colston straight up...what an utterly laughable offer. Colston is about 2 notches above WW trash and only that high due to a decent week this past week. I would consider trading Gates for maybe Austin at WR, and the top 4 or 5 RB's and that's about it.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

In one of the leagues in which I own him, Gates is the 6th highest scoring player in the league - behind 4 QB's and 1 RB. The highest scoring WR is Nicks (who I luckily own) who is ranked 12th. So Gates is more valuable right now than any WR out there. I had him on the block a week ago because I also have Finley and thought I might get a great offer, but the most I was offered for him was Colston straight up. Now that Finley is dinged, I'm not moving him for anything. The other reason is that I don't have any glaring needs at the other skill positions. That being said, I can understand trying to get a true stud at another skill position if you are really hurting and have a decent backup to take Gates place.

Colston straight up...what an utterly laughable offer. Colston is about 2 notches above WW trash and only that high due to a decent week this past week. I would consider trading Gates for maybe Austin at WR, and the top 4 or 5 RB's and that's about it.

I put him on the block just to see what came back and now have 3 offers on the table in my big money redraft NON PPR, TE required league:Gates for GoreGates for Tony G and my choice of Steven Jackson or MendenhallGates for Calvin JohnsonBest TEs on waivers are Moeaki, Mercedes Lewis, Watson, and the Detroit TEs. My team is 5-0, no glaring needs except maybe WR: Romo, Orton, AP, Charles, Barber/Felix, Collie, TO, Crabtree, Walter, Gates. Value wise it seems like I should take the deal for Gore, but I don't know...

 

[fightingillini]

There are very few players that are ever considered virtually "untradeable".......and Gates is one of them. I don't own Gates in any leagues, and if I had him, I would need a solid TE (top 8) and a stud at another position, preferably RB or QB in 6 point for TD pass leagues. I can't imagine anyone paying that price.

Currently Gates has scored 50 points more than the average starting TE in a 12 team league. Now I don't expect him to continue that pace, but I would say he should average 6 catches for 75 yards a game and 9 TDs in the last 11 games. That would make him average about 18-19 points a game. Assuming similar TE production would continue, that's still a 6 point advantage over an average starting TE. That's big. Likely you would have to move up from say a RB15 to a top 5 RB to make up a 6 point advantage at RB. Or you would have to move from an average starting QB to QB1 or QB2. So I would need a solid starting TE and an elite player for me to give up Gates. The only owners that should consider giving up Gates are ones with holes in many positions and could get 2 or 3 very good players.

Gates is going to be on many championship teams this year.

 

[Michael Brown]

Excluding this season and his rookie year, Gates has averaged 62 yards per game over his career and a little over .5 touchdowns per game. He has averaged approximately 7.37 targets per game.

This season, Gates is averaging nearly 100 yards per game and over a touchdown per game -- yet his targets are only averaging 8 per game. So all this extra production is not a product of extra involvement in the passing game. So what is it then?

You may disagree, but it's not like he has suddenly gotten MORE talented at thirty than he was from 24-29. The Chargers didn't have an organizational shift in philosophy. And we've already seen it's not like he's so much more involved than before. The reason for all this extra productivity is a combination of several factors converging at once. First and foremost is the fact that he's being inexplicably single-covered far too often, and with no reliable WR2 emerging in San Diego that is likely to change soon. Additionally, since his fairly normal Week 1 stats (5-76-1) against a good defense in Kansas City, they've now played Jacksonville/Seattle/Arizona/Oakland. Oakland has been surprisingly solid, but the other three rank 26, 29, and 31 in the NFL in passing yardage allowed. Seattle hasn't given up a ton of points, but the other three are 28, 30, and 31 in points allowed.

Additionally, he's doing this at the beginning of the season. If he had a stretch like this at midseason after four or five typical games, his stats would still look great but wouldn't put him on a 1600 yard, 22 touchdown arc. I still like him to put up TE1 stats from this point forward, so don't think I'm saying this for any reason other than to suggest that his perceived value far exceeds his actual value right now. If you want to hold Gates, I understand because he's going to finish with probably record-breaking numbers at the TE spot. But all you get credit for is what he does from this point forward, and I'm sorry but it is highly unlikely that he keeps this pace up. Even at his previously typical levels, he still provides a significant advantage over the league's other TEs so it's not like I'd trade him just for the sake of trading, but if you can land a stud (or TWO based on what I'm seeing!), I can't see not pulling the trigger there.

 

[Michael Brown]

There are very few players that are ever considered virtually "untradeable".......and Gates is one of them. I don't own Gates in any leagues, and if I had him, I would need a solid TE (top 8) and a stud at another position, preferably RB or QB in 6 point for TD pass leagues. I can't imagine anyone paying that price.

Currently Gates has scored 50 points more than the average starting TE in a 12 team league. Now I don't expect him to continue that pace, but I would say he should average 6 catches for 75 yards a game and 9 TDs in the last 11 games.

Again, not saying this is impossible for a player of Gates' caliber, but I think people aren't adjusting his stats enough going forward. Your seemingly conservative estimate of 75 yards per game and 9 scores over his last 11 project out to 1,200 yards and 13 TDs over a full season -- basically expecting him to conservatively produce at league record paces -- and that seems a bit extreme to me.

 

[bigmarc27]

I don't understand the rush to trade off players that are carrying your team. I don't think trading just for the sake of trading is a good idea.

To trade away Gates, you'd had to get someone like Dallas Clark + a pretty great WR or RB in return. Otherwise, you're losing out on points. If I'm the Clark owner though, I wouldn't do a 2 for 1 like that either.

-

The only instance I see as feasible for trading Gates is if he's the only player of value on your team and you can get upgrades at 2-3 other spots. I'll never say never to trading someone, but it's not like Gates was a sleeper who panned out. You likely invested a 3rd or 4th rounder on him expecting to be a top TE.

 

[emge]

I was offered Witten and DWill for Gates in a PPR. I am thinking about it as DWill will prob start for me.

This would be so dumb

 

[H.K.]

Old news.

With such huge production out of the TE spot, Gates offers a positional advantage that is unparalled in this hobby. After rewriting the record book to start his career, Gates has already sewn up the Greatest Of All Time label for TE's but is now being rightfully considered as the Greatest Player Ever. Which in my humble opinion, he is.

 

[DoubleG]

Old news.

With such huge production out of the TE spot, Gates offers a positional advantage that is unparalled in this hobby. After rewriting the record book to start his career, Gates has already sewn up the Greatest Of All Time label for TE's but is now being rightfully considered as the Greatest Player Ever. Which in my humble opinion, he is.

While your statement is as true as you are humble, the question is "Should you trade him?" or keep him - thereby reaping the rewards of this advantage (not "Is he good?").The issue isn't whether or not he provides a positional advantage - he has for most of his career (and if you own him dynasty leagues you are well aware of that fact.) The question is do you trade that advantage to attempt to acquire advantages at other positions?In redraft for this year, I say no way. With VJax out, his numbers should stay high - and anything you could get back would not "unbalance" the scales enough to make up for his loss.In dynasty, if you had Clark or Finley (up until last week) - there could be an argument made. But even then, it's doubtful unless you could land someone like CJ or ADP.

 

[Ariakis]

Just got offered Gates and Flacco in a 10 team dynasty giving up Romo and Keller. I have Brees and Tony G already with a strong win now team at RB/WR so I took it.

 

[Nate]

Gates is putting up 18FP/G. Next closest is 11FP/G (Keller/Clark). That's a huge amount of separation between TE1 and the rest.

To make up the loss in production dropping from Gates to Clark, you'd of course have to improve another position by about 7FP/G, and that's really not likely to happen. It's the difference between Greene & Bradshaw or Hightower & Gore. Hold.

 

[bigmiiiiike]

Gates is putting up 18FP/G. Next closest is 11FP/G (Keller/Clark). That's a huge amount of separation between TE1 and the rest.To make up the loss in production dropping from Gates to Clark, you'd of course have to improve another position by about 7FP/G, and that's really not likely to happen. It's the difference between Greene & Bradshaw or Hightower & Gore. Hold.

That's the rub though. If we knew he was going to continue producing at 18 ppg (120 yards and a TD) then there is no way anyone would move him for anything less than a top 10 overall player. Hell, if we KNEW we'd get that production from him the rest of the way, and you had a draft tomorrow for the rest of the season, VBD principles would probably mandate that he be the #1 player off the board, period. But for him to continue doing that, he'd not only break, but shatter every single season TE record. Not saying he can't do it, but that's what is becoming the expectation. If he starts having a few 5 catch, 55 yard, 0 TD games, the distance between him and TE2, or TE12 will not be nearly as great. Still he'll be #1, and command great value, but not this "untradable" tag he's getting labeled with right now. I still can't decide where I fall on the issue. If the offer feels right, I'd probably take it, but it would take a lot.

 

[Barksdale Ballers]

Got an offer of Gore and Jennings for Gates and Santana Moss. Think I'd have to take it, as I'm stacked at WR and have literally no one at RB. Tough call hough trading the hands down fantasy MVP through 5 weeks.

 

[unckeyherb]

Its all about out-matching your opponent at any given position. I've got Gates on my team in my .5 ppr league. He produces by far the biggest point differential of any player on my team at their respective positions and he does it on a weekly basis.

Look at it this way. I also have Mendy, who has been very, very good and consistent, over the last 4 weeks that he's played (currently ranked as RB8) and is my clear cut RB1. If I match him up against the RB1 on with each team I've played, the point differential is as follows:

Week One: Mendy: 21.5 vs. Forte: 36.6...........Differential: -15.1

Week Two: Mendy: 7.7 vs. Rice: 13.7...............Differential: -6.0

Week Three: Mendy: 20.3 vs. CJohnson: 24.5...Differential: -4.2

Week Four: Mendy 21.8 vs. Beanie: 3.0.............Differential: +18.8

Week Five(bye): Best: 12.4 vs. Turner: 14.0.....Differentiall: -1.6

Even though he has consistently been putting up decent to very good numbers, he has only in the plus column once so far this season in my matchups!

Now look at Gates differential:

Week One: Gates: 16.10 vs. Witten: 4.2...........Differential: +11.9

Week Two: Gates: 20.20 vs. Clark: 17.8...........Differential: +2.4

Week Three: Gates: 20.4 vs. Shockey: 17.8......Differential: +2.6

Week Four: Gates: 29.9 vs. Hernandez: 5.4.......Differential: +24.5

Week Five: Gates: 17.7 vs. Keller: 2.4..............Differential: +15.3

Breaking these numbers down we see that Mendy, a top ten RB and my RB1 has been outscored by his opponent to the tune of 8.1 points, an average of 1.6 points per game. According to this data, he has actually been LOSING games for me even though he is averaging 17.8 points per game! Now look at Gates's numbers. He has outscored his opponents by 56.7 points, or an average of 11.3 points per game. Put another way, he is outscoring his opponents on average by a margin equal to Santana Moss' average score. he basically is giving you winning TE numbers weekly, while adding another WR2 score to your lineup.

In every matchup, Gates has been a lock to outscore (and in some cases destroy) his competition, including the second and third ranked TE's. The massive assymetrical scoring that Gates gives you outweighs the value of almost any other player at their respective positions.

This means he is UNTRADABLE! I'd have a tough time sending him out for anyone less than CJ or ADP.

He is arguably the most valuable fantasy player in the game.

 

[fightingillini]

There are very few players that are ever considered virtually "untradeable".......and Gates is one of them. I don't own Gates in any leagues, and if I had him, I would need a solid TE (top 8) and a stud at another position, preferably RB or QB in 6 point for TD pass leagues. I can't imagine anyone paying that price.

Currently Gates has scored 50 points more than the average starting TE in a 12 team league. Now I don't expect him to continue that pace, but I would say he should average 6 catches for 75 yards a game and 9 TDs in the last 11 games.

Again, not saying this is impossible for a player of Gates' caliber, but I think people aren't adjusting his stats enough going forward. Your seemingly conservative estimate of 75 yards per game and 9 scores over his last 11 project out to 1,200 yards and 13 TDs over a full season -- basically expecting him to conservatively produce at league record paces -- and that seems a bit extreme to me.

I respect your opinion.....but I truly think Gates will do 66/825/9 over the remaining season.All the ducks are in a row for Gates to have that magical season. Great QB....check. Rivers is putting up MVP type numbers. SD still can't effectively run the football. Floyd has emerged as a solid WR. SD's schedule is pretty easy.

@STL,NE,Ten,@Hou, BYE,Den,@Ind,OAK,KC,SF,@Cin,@Den.......who really scares you here?

Records are made to be broken.....and barring injury, I see Gates having the best fantasy season of all time for a TE.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Excluding this season and his rookie year, Gates has averaged 62 yards per game over his career and a little over .5 touchdowns per game. He has averaged approximately 7.37 targets per game.This season, Gates is averaging nearly 100 yards per game and over a touchdown per game -- yet his targets are only averaging 8 per game. So all this extra production is not a product of extra involvement in the passing game. So what is it then?You may disagree, but it's not like he has suddenly gotten MORE talented at thirty than he was from 24-29. The Chargers didn't have an organizational shift in philosophy. And we've already seen it's not like he's so much more involved than before. The reason for all this extra productivity is a combination of several factors converging at once. First and foremost is the fact that he's being inexplicably single-covered far too often, and with no reliable WR2 emerging in San Diego that is likely to change soon. Additionally, since his fairly normal Week 1 stats (5-76-1) against a good defense in Kansas City, they've now played Jacksonville/Seattle/Arizona/Oakland. Oakland has been surprisingly solid, but the other three rank 26, 29, and 31 in the NFL in passing yardage allowed. Seattle hasn't given up a ton of points, but the other three are 28, 30, and 31 in points allowed.Additionally, he's doing this at the beginning of the season. If he had a stretch like this at midseason after four or five typical games, his stats would still look great but wouldn't put him on a 1600 yard, 22 touchdown arc. I still like him to put up TE1 stats from this point forward, so don't think I'm saying this for any reason other than to suggest that his perceived value far exceeds his actual value right now. If you want to hold Gates, I understand because he's going to finish with probably record-breaking numbers at the TE spot. But all you get credit for is what he does from this point forward, and I'm sorry but it is highly unlikely that he keeps this pace up. Even at his previously typical levels, he still provides a significant advantage over the league's other TEs so it's not like I'd trade him just for the sake of trading, but if you can land a stud (or TWO based on what I'm seeing!), I can't see not pulling the trigger there.

It's worth noting that Gates has been battling injuries each of the last 3 years. The last time we saw him fully healthy and not slowed down by turf toe or various ankle injuries was back when he was a "young, raw" TE who had just put up 1100/10 in his second season as a starter.While a lot of what you're saying could be the cause, it could also be that this is the path we would have seen out of Gates earlier had he remained healthy. Also, while losing Vjax and the running game has not meant more targets for Gates, it has meant more redzone targets. He has averaged 1.05 redzone targets per game up to this point in his career, but this year is averaging almost double that.

 

[RICK ROMO]

Got an offer of Gore and Jennings for Gates and Santana Moss. Think I'd have to take it, as I'm stacked at WR and have literally no one at RB. Tough call hough trading the hands down fantasy MVP through 5 weeks.

I lost Finley, so I offered Gore & Jennings for Gates & Moreno. My other TE is Keller in a ppr league that is TE mandatory. Am I a fool for wanting Gates and offering the house(Gore & Jennings)? I have Charles, Lynch, and DMC at my other 3 rb spots. It hurts seeing Gates stud up every week and I feel Keller can't keep his blistering pace up with Holmes back in the mix.

 

[Barksdale Ballers]

Got an offer of Gore and Jennings for Gates and Santana Moss. Think I'd have to take it, as I'm stacked at WR and have literally no one at RB. Tough call hough trading the hands down fantasy MVP through 5 weeks.

I lost Finley, so I offered Gore & Jennings for Gates & Moreno. My other TE is Keller in a ppr league that is TE mandatory. Am I a fool for wanting Gates and offering the house(Gore & Jennings)? I have Charles, Lynch, and DMC at my other 3 rb spots. It hurts seeing Gates stud up every week and I feel Keller can't keep his blistering pace up with Holmes back in the mix.

I'm down on Moreno, so I wouldn't make that deal if I was you. Keller is a decent bet for TDs and is still a safety valve for Sanchez. Gore is a stud & Jennings could get hot without Finley stealing targets.

 

[Kenny Powers]

I just posted Gates is on the trading block in my league, but only for a top RB like ADP, CJ, Gore, Mendy and maybe another player depending on the offer.

I feel like everyone is gonna laugh at my request, plus they always think I offer/pull off ridiculous trades

 

[RICK ROMO]

Got an offer of Gore and Jennings for Gates and Santana Moss. Think I'd have to take it, as I'm stacked at WR and have literally no one at RB. Tough call hough trading the hands down fantasy MVP through 5 weeks.

I lost Finley, so I offered Gore & Jennings for Gates & Moreno. My other TE is Keller in a ppr league that is TE mandatory. Am I a fool for wanting Gates and offering the house(Gore & Jennings)? I have Charles, Lynch, and DMC at my other 3 rb spots. It hurts seeing Gates stud up every week and I feel Keller can't keep his blistering pace up with Holmes back in the mix.

I'm down on Moreno, so I wouldn't make that deal if I was you. Keller is a decent bet for TDs and is still a safety valve for Sanchez. Gore is a stud & Jennings could get hot without Finley stealing targets.

trade has just changed. Now I get Gates, Wayne, Moreno for Keller, Jennings, Gore. Any better?

 

[JbizzleMan]

Got an offer of Gore and Jennings for Gates and Santana Moss. Think I'd have to take it, as I'm stacked at WR and have literally no one at RB. Tough call hough trading the hands down fantasy MVP through 5 weeks.

I lost Finley, so I offered Gore & Jennings for Gates & Moreno. My other TE is Keller in a ppr league that is TE mandatory. Am I a fool for wanting Gates and offering the house(Gore & Jennings)? I have Charles, Lynch, and DMC at my other 3 rb spots. It hurts seeing Gates stud up every week and I feel Keller can't keep his blistering pace up with Holmes back in the mix.

I'm down on Moreno, so I wouldn't make that deal if I was you. Keller is a decent bet for TDs and is still a safety valve for Sanchez. Gore is a stud & Jennings could get hot without Finley stealing targets.

trade has just changed. Now I get Gates, Wayne, Moreno for Keller, Jennings, Gore. Any better?

I like that!

 

[meatwad1]

Sounds like a lot of people are getting blinded by what he's done so far. You don't get future points for what he's done over the first five games, all that matters is what he's going to do the next eleven.

The fact that people wouldn't even consider trading him unless they're getting a stud RB1 tells me all I need to know about his perceived value right now. He's not going to put up 1,500 yards and 22 TDs, so he's a prime guy to sell high. The ideal package would be to move him to another team for their good TE and stud at another position (Say, RB1 + Tony Gonzalez or Dallas Clark).

I disagree. There is no way he is a sell high at this point. I agree that it is very unlikely that he will put up 1500 yards and 22 TD's this season, but that is his ceiling at this point. I think his floor is 85/1200/13 for the rest of the season. He is clearly the number 1 redzone target on his team, and with Floyd finally starting to fill the number 1 WR role for the Chargers it should open up more room underneath. Unless I am very weak at RB there is no way I would trade him. Could you imagine trading away Peyton Manning or LT during one of their record breaking years?

I can...and I did. Sold Peyton during his record 49 TD year... I am a believer in regression, but what I learned after that trade is when it comes to super stud players, the possibility of s "special" season cannot be ignored. It's one thing to trade away Brandon Loyd as a sell high, but a proven stud like Gates? I'd rather roll the dice & keep for a possible year for the history books....

You said it...it is not like everyone does not know that Gates is a stud...it would be stupid for anyone to trade him away.

 

[johnnyboy8102]

My PPR league team is:

QB: Rivers

RB: Arian Foster, Steven Jackson, Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis, Michael Bush, Brandon Jacobs, Knowshon Moreno

WR: Randy Moss, Jeremy Maclin, Mike Williams (TB), Kevin Walter

TE: Antonio Gates, Aaron Hernandez

K: Neil Rackers

I am 5-0 and have 3 of the top 5 scorers (Rivers, Foster, Gates) in the league. I normally start Foster, S-Jax, Moss, Maclin and then choose the best matchup at my RB/WR Flex spot (Michael Bush last week for example). I put Gates on the trade block just to check any offers and I didn't get anything remotely worth is. So I don't think it is worth me trading him.

 

[tdhartis]

My PPR league team is:QB: RiversRB: Arian Foster, Steven Jackson, Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis, Michael Bush, Brandon Jacobs, Knowshon MorenoWR: Randy Moss, Jeremy Maclin, Mike Williams (TB), Kevin WalterTE: Antonio Gates, Aaron HernandezK: Neil Rackers I am 5-0 and have 3 of the top 5 scorers (Rivers, Foster, Gates) in the league. I normally start Foster, S-Jax, Moss, Maclin and then choose the best matchup at my RB/WR Flex spot (Michael Bush last week for example). I put Gates on the trade block just to check any offers and I didn't get anything remotely worth is. So I don't think it is worth me trading him.

No one is willing to give WR1 equivalent trade offers for Gates even though thats essentially what he is. I wouldn't be too worried about trading them unless you have a huge hole at another position.

 

[johnnyboy8102]

My PPR league team is:QB: RiversRB: Arian Foster, Steven Jackson, Ben Jarvus Green-Ellis, Michael Bush, Brandon Jacobs, Knowshon MorenoWR: Randy Moss, Jeremy Maclin, Mike Williams (TB), Kevin WalterTE: Antonio Gates, Aaron HernandezK: Neil Rackers I am 5-0 and have 3 of the top 5 scorers (Rivers, Foster, Gates) in the league. I normally start Foster, S-Jax, Moss, Maclin and then choose the best matchup at my RB/WR Flex spot (Michael Bush last week for example). I put Gates on the trade block just to check any offers and I didn't get anything remotely worth is. So I don't think it is worth me trading him.

No one is willing to give WR1 equivalent trade offers for Gates even though thats essentially what he is. I wouldn't be too worried about trading them unless you have a huge hole at another position.

I would love a WR who consistently gets 6 or so catches a game because my production from Moss and Maclin has been mostly TD.

 

[kinghill]

I just traded Gates/Maclin for Andre Johnson and Finley, I have Hernandez as a backup and a bunch of under performers at WR so I'm hoping that I'm in a decent position for the playoffs if/when Finley returns.

Ouch.

 

[Alberta Clipper]

I own Gates 2x and with 0.5/1/1.5 ppr scoring he's the #1 oa player by about 20 pts over Rivers. That's 4 ppg over even the top QB.

The Rivers / Gates combo was something one could target this year and so far it's rewarding it's owners.

Long ways to go of course...