San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates will return on Sunday after serving a four-game suspension.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 5: Antonio Gates
The eight-time Pro Bowler is set to make his 2015 debut. We break down the fantasy implications.
Gates' return to the playing field is always a welcome one, even though the Chargers offense has been clicking for the most part. Philip Rivers has leaned on Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead and Stevie Johnson in the passing game, but Gates' red zone game remains a dominant one. Expect would-be field goal attempts to turn into touchdowns with Gates back in the lineup, especially with a vulnerable Pittsburgh Steelers defense lining up across from him.
Fantasy impact: It's hard to believe, but Gates was the highest-scoring tight end in fantasy football aside from Rob Gronkowski in 2014. With Mike McCoy calling the shots in San Diego, Gates' career has seen a resurgence, with back-to-back 800-yard seasons under his belt. Fantasy owners are warranted in being cautious investing in any 35-year-old player, but Gates isn't any 35-year-old. With extra time to prepare for the season, Gates should resume being a force along the seams for Philip Rivers and company.
Gates is instantly on the TE1 radar against the Steelers, who have allowed the fourth-highest fantasy point total to opposing tight ends. Fantasy owners can start Gates with confidence once again.
