Analyze Oronde Gadsden's matchup for week 9
Oronde Gadsden has exploded for 19-309-2 over his last three games while playing 90% of snaps and earning Justin Herbert’s full trust. Facing a Titans defense that bleeds production to athletic tight ends, the 6'5" rookie is a locked-in TE1 with elite upside.
The Titans’ linebacker corps has struggled against receiving tight ends, and Gadsden’s size and red-zone usage create natural mismatches. With Herbert leading the NFL in attempts (296), volume is guaranteed, and Tennessee’s middling pass defense ranks 20th in DVOA against TEs. The Chargers’ pass-heavy approach (65% dropback rate) keeps the rookie on the field for virtually every 2-TE or 3-WR set, ensuring route participation north of 85%.
Over the last three weeks Gadsden is the overall TE2 in PPR, averaging 10.3 targets, 103 yards and 0.7 TDs while catching 86% of his looks.
Gadsden’s ascension isn’t a fluke—his 2.65 yards per route run trail only Sam LaPorta among TEs since Week 6, and Herbert has a 126.4 passer rating when targeting him. The rookie’s usage profile is elite: he’s run 92% of his routes from the slot or out wide, creating LB/safety mismatches, and he’s seen five end-zone targets (tied for most among TE) in that span. Tennessee allows the eighth-most TE receiving yards per game (56) and has given up five TDs to the position, including two to Dalton Kincaid just two weeks ago. With Keenan Allen managing a hamstring issue and the Chargers’ backfield banged up, Herbert will continue funneling volume through his trustworthy 6'5" weapon. Expect another 8-10 looks, a 70% snap share in 12-personnel, and at least one red-zone opportunity inside the 10. Fire up Gadsden as a top-five fantasy tight end this week and ride the league-winning waiver add the rest of the way.