The San Diego Chargers have Ladarius Green stepping in with Antonio Gates suspended for four games and the team is likely a bit concerned, as the tight end is being evaluated for a concussion heading into Week 1. The Chargers have some strong fantasy football options this season, as players like Philip Rivers, Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead, Stevie Johnson and Malcom Floyd could put up numbers.
The Chargers have been a strong offensive team over the past couple years and with Rivers getting a contract extension this summer, his future with the team is secure. That could help take some of the pressure off of Rivers and he could be poised for another big year. Losing Antonio Gates for any amount of games is tough, but the team felt comfortable with Green coming in. According to the Union-Tribune San Diego, Green is being evaluated for a concussion and his status is up in the air for Week 1.
Green is coming in as a sleeper option for some fantasy owners, as he could put up some numbers in place of Gates early in the season. Green was a breakout candidate last year, but it never came to fruition and he finished with just 19 catches for 226 yards and zero touchdowns. Green was expected to be a surprise player this year after the news about Gates came out, but the concussion could keep that from happening. Kyle Miller is on the roster and he may be the player to step in if Green is also out.
The Chargers have a strong running game coming in this season, as the team drafted Melvin Gordon and he is expected to be the starter. The team has solid depth with Danny Woodhead, Branden Oliver and Donald Brown on the depth chart and Woodhead is expected to be the backup. Woodhead was injured for part of last season and he is the best option for PPR league owners, as he is a great receiver out of the backfield. Gordon is more of a runner and with him as the starter, Rivers has a player that could be a consistent breakaway threat after Ryan Mathews left for the Eagles.
The Chargers receivers all could get a boost if Green is out, as the team likes to throw the ball and Rivers will need to move the chains on Sunday. The Chargers play against the Lions and players like Keenan Allen, Malcom Floyd and Stevie Johnson all could be solid fantasy options. Rivers praised Johnson this summer in camp and he comes in after a down season with 35 catches for 435 yards and he is looking to bounce back.
Allen is the number one option for Rivers and he comes in after putting up 77 catches for 783 yards and four touchdowns. Allen missed two games last season and his numbers were down in receiving yards and TDs, but he is an explosive player and could be in line to bounce back as well. Floyd is reliable and as long as he is healthy he is a solid option for deeper leagues.