Going into the seventh week of the regular season, the Chargers are ranked third in the NFL in total points and will face an Atlanta defense that gives up, on average, 27.7 points each week. Here is what notable fantasy football experts are saying going into the game vs. the Falcons:
Melvin Gordon: Although he did not reach the end-zone for the first time this year vs. the Broncos, Gordon is currently tied for the league lead in total rushing/receiving TD's (seven). He is listed by NFL.com's Michael Fabiano as the "start of the week" saying "he should remain in your starting lineups when the **Chargers* *travel to face the *Falcons*. Their defense has struggled to stop runners, allowing an average of over 21 fantasy points per game." He is on average going for $7,200 in daily fantasy leagues.
Philip Rivers:Going up against the best pass defense in the NFL last week, Rivers was able to find the end-zone but put up his lowest yard total of the year. This week he faces a Falcons team that has given up the third most passing touchdowns and over 280 passing yards per game. ESPN's Matthew Berry lists Rivers as a "love" saying "With extra time to prepare (the Chargers played last Thursday), expect Rivers to come out throwing and go pass for pass with the Falcons. He's a clear top-10 play for me." Berry is not alone as NFL.com's Michael Fabiano and CBS.com's Jamey Eisenberg list Rivers as a starter this week. Rivers is on average going for $7,150 in daily fantasy leagues.
Hunter Henry: Blossoming into one of Rivers' favorite weapons, Henry was targeted a team-high eight times vs. the Broncos. His final stat line was six catches for 83 yards and one touchdown which bring his season totals to 19 catches for 310 yards and three touchdowns. Si.com's Michael Beller gave the rookie high praise this week saying "anyone who bought into the Henry hype already this season has a locked-in TE1 on their hands. He should be in your lineup this week, next week and every week for the rest of the season." Henry is on average going for $4,700 in daily fantasy leagues.
Antonio Gates:In his second game back from injury, Gates was second in targets and receptions last week. He was not limited at all in practice throughout the week. He is on average going for $4,200 in daily fantasy leagues.
Travis Benjamin:Coming off a game vs. the Broncos in which he gained 17 yards, Si.com's Michael Beller is not discouraged by Benjamin's recent output and lists him as starter this week. Per Beller, "Philip Rivers is likely going to be slinging the ball a whole lot on Sunday. He should post, at worst, WR3 numbers." He is on average going for $6,100 in daily fantasy leagues.
Tyrell Williams: While he only gained 28 yards vs. the Broncos, Williams caught all three passes thrown his way, including an impressive over-the-shoulder snag on the Chargers opening drive. Listed as a "love" by ESPN's Matthew Berry, Berry says of Williams "I expect Desmond Trufant (Atlanta's number one corner) to be on Benjamin more often than not and you know I expect this game to be a shootout, so Williams is a high-end WR3 this week." Williams is on average going for $5,250 in daily fantasy leagues.
