The San Diego Chargers beat the Atlanta Falcons in a high-scoring affair on Sunday, 33-30, and offensive playmakers Melvin Gordon and Tyrell Williams rewarded fantasy owners accordingly.
Gordon found the end zone three times from the running back position and continued his strong season, while Williams notched a career-high in receiving yards as one of Philip Rivers’ primary targets.
Here is a look at the final tallies and a breakdown for each player.
Melvin Gordon
Gordon was a touchdown machine in the early going, with seven total touchdowns in his first five games, but he didn’t score for first time all year last time out against the Denver Broncos. He still ran for 94 yards in that contest, so there was no reason to panic.
Those fantasy owners who didn’t were rewarded with a monster game on Sunday.
Gordon is a workhorse back and is in nothing resembling a backfield-by-committee approach. Kenneth Farrow’s two carries on Sunday were the second most on the team, and Gordon has carried the ball at least 16 times every game but one (14 in the season opener).
He is also a threat in the passing attack, which boosts his value in standard and points-per-reception leagues. Sunday was the third time he topped 40 receiving yards in seven games, which cements his status as a surefire fantasy starter.
Tyrell Williams
No. 1 receiver Keenan Allen is out for the season with a torn ACL, and Williams has filled in admirably in the passing attack. His 10 targets tied Antonio Gates for the team-high on Sunday and marked the third time this year he finished with at least eight.
Despite going for just 28 yards against the Broncos’ strong defense, Sunday was the fifth time this year Williams topped 60 yards through the air and the second time he cracked the century mark. Rivers is gradually developing more chemistry with the second-year player as they garner more experience together.
While Williams has only two scores this season, the touchdowns will come if Rivers continues to target him at such a high rate. That is especially the case since he is a 6’4″ receiver who can high-point passes in the red zone.
It is worth inserting the youngster into your lineup as a flex option moving forward as he continues to find his footing at the NFL level.
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