Oronde Gadsden: Everything you need to know

Gadsden had three receptions on as many targets for 30 yards in Sunday's 16-3 loss to the Patriots. Gadsden's pedestrian receiving line was actually good enough for second amongst Los Angeles receiving options in a dismal passing display on the road against New England. The 22-year-old still can hang his hat on overachieving during the regular season, as he produced a 49-664-3 receiving line after being taken in the fifth round of April's NFL Draft. Gadsden never relinquished his grasp on the starting job once he took over for an injured Will Dissly in Week 4. The Syracuse product is in prime position to thrive in his sophomore season when he begins the 2026 campaign as the Chargers' starting tight end.

Gadsden brought in both of his targets for 23 yards in Sunday's 19-3 loss to the Broncos. Gadsden was one of a handful of key players on offense allowed to take the field for the Chargers in Week 18. The 2025 fifth-round pick was able to add a couple of receptions to his rookie total, bringing his final line up to 49-664-3 in 15 appearances this regular season. While the tight end certainly surpassed expectations as a rookie, Gadsden's inconsistent play down the stretch makes him a risky DFS play in the wild-card round, even with QB Justin Herbert back under center.

Gadsden brought in three of six targets for 32 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 20-16 loss to the Texans on Saturday. Gadsden had two diametrically opposite experiences in the red zone Saturday, first having a ball bounce off his hands inside the five-yard line and landing in the hands of the Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair to extinguish a golden late first-half scoring opportunity. The rookie tight end then atoned to a degree with a one-yard touchdown grab late in the third quarter, his third career score and first since Week 8. Gadsden should continue filling a key role in the Week 18 road regular-season finale against the Broncos.