Predicted
90 receptions 1125 yards 10 TDs
Actual
71 receptions 924 yards 9 TDs
This was one of the most debated player projections of the season, and produced many different opinions. My expectations proved to be too high, but Gates did at least finish the season as the number one TE. I did take him in the late third round in one league and it wasn't a bad return.
Props to Banger for his projection:
I think Gates will get his catches and his yards but the red zone looks at least early on may take a hit. I wouldn't be surprised if Marty leaned on LT more in the redzone which would impact Gates' #'s.
80-925-9
Still a great year and probably still the top TE.
Antonio Gates was not the clear number one option at TE this time last year, and Tony Gonzalez was rated ahead of him by many. After an outstanding season, he is now firmly established as the best player at his position.
Only 10 receivers had more targets than Gates last year, so it is not surprising that he managed to finish 10th among fantasy receivers with the WRs included. He also managed that after being suspended for the first game after holding out during the preseason.
Gates is the best receiver the Chargers have. McCardell is the top wide receiver, but he saw 32 less targets than Gates while playing a game more. The most impressive thing about Gates is that he has scored 23 TDs over the last two seasons, despite the presence of Tomlinson. Not every short yardage situation will end in a carry by Tomlinson.
The big change for Gates this year will be at QB. Philip Rivers has never started an NFL game and will take over from Drew Brees as the starter. The good news is that Rivers has had two years to absorb the offense, so he shouldn't struggle as much as a rookie would. In fact, Drew Brees had a reasonable season in his first year as the starter with 3284 passing yards and 17 TDs. Brees had only been with the team for a year when he became the starter so there is hope for Rivers.
I expect Gates to continue where he left off last year. He will still be the main target in the passing game. He may even have some improvement left in him, and he is yet to start 16 games in a season. He should be number one again.
Prediction
90 receptions 1125 yards 10 TDs
