Oronde Gadsden Demands Attention

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Gadsden's yardage broke Antonio Gates' franchise record for single-game production by a rookie TE -- and it did so by 50 yards. It was also the fourth-largest total ever for a rookie tight end, and the largest since 1985 (Mark Bavaro, 176).

Although the passing volume helped, Gadsden did rank third on the team in targets (nine) and receptions (7). He drew a 16.7% share of Chargers targets for the game, accounted for 18.9% of team receptions, and racked up 39% of the receiving yardage.

Gadsden's biggest strike came on a 53-yard deep ball early in the second half. But also nabbed downfield throws for 30 and 24 yards and took a short toss for a 22-yard gain. The rookie's TD came from 15 yards out in the fourth quarter.

Gadsden's 47 pass routes ranked third on the team, edging WR Keenan Allen by one and trailing only WR Ladd McConkey (57) and WR Quentin Johnston (56). TEs Tucker Fisk and Will Dissly combined for just five routes and 16 total snaps, while Gadsden played 60 snaps.

That 79% share marked the fifth straight game in which Gadsden increased both his snap total and snap share. He has reached 75% and 7 receptions in consecutive outings.

We can't expect that kind of receiving volume to keep up every week. But Gadsden's involvement the past two games has been plenty to put him in the fantasy-starter conversation going forward.

Week 8 holds a matchup with the Vikings, who have ranked eighth-most friendly to TE scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.