Philip Rivers, Antonio Gates, Eddie Royal's Post-Week 16 Fantasy Reaction

Philip Rivers started for the San Diego Chargers against the San Francisco 49ers and helped fantasy owners in the playoffs. The veteran quarterback got off to a slow start, but he still posted solid stats for his owners.

In the process, both Eddie Royal and Antonio Gates finished with great numbers against San Francisco. However, limited production from both Rivers and Royal recently might have already cost owners in the postseason.

Comp.-Att.	Pass Yds	TD-INT	Rush Yds	Fantasy Points
33-54	356	4-3	0	24.24

Player	Rec.	Targets	Rec. Yds	Rec. TDs	Fantasy Points
Eddie Royal	10	12	94	1	15.4
Antonio Gates	7	9	92	2	21.2

Rivers started the Week 16 game with two interceptions before connecting on his first touchdown of the game. That pass went to Royal, who might have been a flex start for owners desperate for production.

On the next score, it was Gates who caught the short pass to help fantasy owners of the experienced tight end. Both have enjoyed a storied career together, as NFL on ESPN notes the career numbers for the tandem:

Production from Rivers and Gates is nothing new, as both were near the top of their positions earlier this season. However, inconsistency from Rivers has hurt each player in fantasy recently, with Gates going five straight games without a touchdown until last week.

Both players still carry a lot of fantasy value for owners who still have games in Week 17 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Heading into next year, Rivers and Gates will have solid value in the draft, while Royal might be worth a late flier in deep leagues.

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