Los Angeles Chargers rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden displayed his versatility and developed a strong connection with Justin Herbert during the 2025 NFL season. The 22-year-old had 49 catches for 664 yards and three touchdowns on 69 targets. Gadsden was a pleasant surprise for fantasy managers who were able to snipe him off waivers in his rookie season. Entering Wild Card Weekend, Gadsden will face a solid New England Patriots defense. The Patriots' defense allowed the fourth-fewest rushing touchdowns and the sixth-fewest rushing yards, while having one of the NFL's mild passing defenses. This could favor the Gadsden and the Chargers' passing attack. If the Chargers have a slow start running the football, they could turn Herbert's arm loose early. Gadsden could see a good number of targets against an average NFL passing defense in his NFL playoff game.

New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry finished the 2025 season on fire with three straight TE1 performances to end the year. The 31-year-old had 60 catches for 768 yards and seven touchdowns, while on his way to a TE9 overall finish in PPR leagues. Entering Wild Card Weekend, Henry and the Patriots will face a solid Los Angeles Chargers defense. The Chargers have allowed the third-fewest receiving touchdowns and the fourth-fewest receiving yards this season. In a tough round one match-up, Henry will have to continue to perform at a high level to keep the Patriots' offense moving on schedule. Henry will look to add on to his new career highs in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns that he set in the regular season during the postseason.

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston was on a fantasy rollercoaster throughout the 2025 regular season. Johnston started the year on a tear and finished on a high note, but in the middle of the year, his fantasy production took a large dip. The 24-year-old had 51 catches for 735 yards and eight touchdowns, missing three regular-season games due to injuries and being rested as a key starter in Week 18. Entering Wild Card Weekend, Johnston will face the New England Patriots. The Patriots' defense ranked near the middle of the league in fantasy points allowed to wide receivers in 2025, but they allowed the seventh-most touchdowns to the position. Johnston has had a knack for scoring touchdowns the last two seasons and has become a reliable red zone weapon for Justin Herbert. In a big game, Johnston will look to be a major contributor in the red zone.

San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (Achilles) has been ruled out for the remainder of Sunday's playoff contest against the Philadelphia Eagles. The superstar tight end appeared to suffer a non-contact injury while catching a pass during the second quarter. Video from the FOX broadcast appeared to show a pop in the back of Kittle's leg, creating concern for a severe Achilles injury. He immediately reached for his lower leg, was in visible pain, and had to be carted to the locker room. The 32-year-old will now undergo additional testing as the 49ers work toward an official diagnosis. If the team's worst fears are confirmed, Kittle will likely miss the remainder of the 2025 NFL playoffs. Jake Tonges should earn more snaps in his absence. In the six games that Kittle missed during the regular season, Tonges totaled 29 catches, 269 yards, and three touchdowns. Tonges is a talented pass-catching tight end, but he doesn't come close to filling the enormous void left behind by Kittle's injury.