Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, John Phillips' Post-Week 7 Fantasy Reaction

The San Diego Chargers were handed their second defeat of the season at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, but the team's stars still had decent performances.     

Philip Rivers remains an automatic start. He didn't have a huge statistical game against the Chiefs, but he's had just three games this season in which he threw for fewer than 250 yards. 

Completions	Attempts	Yards	TDs	INTs
17	31	205	2	1

Even in a somewhat down game from a statistical standpoint, Rivers still tossed two touchdown passes and he remains a QB1.

Both of Rivers' scoring strikes went to his tight ends. Future Hall of Famer Antonio Gates continues to be a money target for Rivers. However, he isn't the No. 1 option anymore, as Malcom Floyd and Eddie Royal came in to Week 7's game with more receiving yards.

Second-year receiver Keenan Allen has more targets as well.

That said, Gates is still a viable option at tight end. He's been incredibly efficient with his opportunities. His touchdown catch Sunday was his seventh of the season, which equates to one per game. The Denver Broncos' Julius Thomas is the only tight end with more touchdown receptions in the NFL.

You'll be hard pressed to find a better option at the position, or in the flex spot.

Player	Targets	Receptions	Yards	TDs
Antonio Gates	4	3	61	1
John Phillips	1	1	1	1

Rivers' other touchdown pass on the day went to reserve tight end John Phillips. It was not only Phillips' first touchdown reception of the season, but also his first catch overall. In his career, Phillips now has five catches for 31 yards and the lone score.

Thirsty fantasy owners who don't own the likes of Gates, Thomas or the Carolina Panthers' Greg Olsen might be antsy for production at tight end. Don't let your eagerness force you to make a regrettable decision.

Unless your tight end situation is in absolute dire straits, don't pick up Phillips. 

There's no reason to believe he'll become a valuable fantasy contributor moving forward.