Jake Tonges vs Oronde Gadsden: Who Should You Start?
Jake Tonges and Oronde Gadsden are both viable fantasy tight ends heading into 2026, but their 2025 production tells two different stories. Jake Tonges averaged 4.5 PPG across 17 games with the San Francisco 49ers, while Oronde Gadsden posted 7.1 PPG in 15 appearances for the Los Angeles Chargers.
A 2.6-PPG gap gives Oronde Gadsden the edge on paper, but paper does not account for Thursday night matchups, weather games, or a star defender returning from injury. The real question is not who was better in 2025, but who is the better start this specific week.
Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Jake Tonges had 34 catches for 293 yards; Oronde Gadsden posted 49 for 664. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.
Bye weeks matter for roster construction: Jake Tonges sits Week 9 while Oronde Gadsden is off Week 5. If you are deciding between the two as a season-long roster hold, the staggered byes actually work in your favor.
