Vincent Jackson: Assessing Fantasy Week 4 Value of the Chargers WR

Vincent Jackson has always been regarded as one of the top receivers in the game, and is a pretty consistent fantasy performer. Jackson is a big target that plays in a pass first offense in which Norv Turner loves to push the ball vertically down the field, and Phillip Rivers is about as good as any in getting him the ball. 

However, the absence of tight end Antonio Gates will have an enormous impact on his fantasy value.

Many will assume that no Gates would equate to more passes for Jackson to catch, but that is simply not going to be the case. As evidenced in the Patriots game in Week 2, Gates was taken out of the game schematically, leaving Jackson open. With no Gates to draw coverage, teams will look to take Jackson out of the game. In fact, the injury to Gates would probably lead to bigger numbers to Malcolm Floyd than to Vincent Jackson. 

That does not mean that you should bench Jackson. He is still a very talented receiver and Norv Turner will ensure that he stays involved in the game. 

This week, Jackson and the Chargers will look to attack a thin Miami secondary, who are particularly weak at the safety position. The Chargers are going to want to push the pall vertically and challenge those safeties and see if they can cover Jackson. Miami has struggled against elite offenses this season, giving up huge numbers to the Patriots and Texans. The chances of them drastically improving in that area against Phillip Rivers is unlikely.