Antonio Gates, Philip Rivers' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 5

The combination of Philip Rivers and Antonio Gates has the San Diego Chargers' passing game continuing to operate at a high level, and the two players are both No. 1-caliber fantasy options at their respective positions.    

Facing a tough matchup in the New York Jets for Week 5, Rivers threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the first half alone. Both of those scores went to Gates, who had three receptions for 48 yards to help the Chargers to a 21-0 lead at home, which led to a 31-0 victory.

San Diego entered the game 31st in rushing, facing a formidable Jets front seven that was first in the NFL in rush defense. That Rivers and Gates were still able to connect on multiple scores in the first 30 minutes is a testament to their chemistry and proves that they can thrive no matter the matchup.

Rivers was tops in the league with a 114.5 rating through four games, and he's showing no signs of slowing down. He is a must-start player every week in fantasy.

Name	PASS	YDS	TD/INT	Fantasy Points
Name	REC	YDS	TD	Fantasy Points
Philip Rivers	20/28	288	3/1	21
Antonio Gates	4	60	2	18

The proof is in the pudding when it comes to Rivers' numbers, which Adam Levitan of Rotoworld highlighted:

Chargers center Rich Ohrnberger emphasized how well Rivers prepares before Sunday's game, per U-T San Diego's Michael Gehlken:

"

From a player standpoint, I've never seen anyone dial in the way he does...and know an opponent as well as he does so early in the week. ... He sees it all before it happens. He picks up on defensive cues. He directs traffic. It's the closest thing to having a coach on the field. That's how well prepared he is.

"

At age 34, it's tough for owners to fully trust Gates, especially since he'd had just four receptions over the previous two games. However, he is continuing to produce at a historic rate, as pointed out by NFL.com's Gil Brandt:

The consistency may not be there every week, but fantasy owners would have to be happy with having Gates, considering he now has five TD receptions in the young season.

As long as Rivers can air it out as well as he has, Gates will continue to be a viable TE1 threat. Opportunities to stretch the field down the seam ought to open up even more if San Diego can ever manage to establish the run.

That ought to happen with the return of running back Ryan Mathews later in the year, so Gates is worth holding onto despite how late he is in his career.