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Head to Head

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Oronde Gadsden II vs Theo JohnsonWho should you start in 2026 fantasy football?

Oronde Gadsden II is the better fantasy start for 2026, averaging 7.1 PPG to Theo Johnson's 7.0 in 2025. Full head to head breakdown below.

The Bottom Line

Oronde Gadsden II is the better fantasy play this season.

This one is genuinely close. Oronde Gadsden II edges Theo Johnson by 0.1 PPG, but both are in the same production tier. The decision comes down to weekly matchup, not season-long resume. If you are choosing between them in a draft, Oronde Gadsden II goes slightly earlier based on volume, but do not reach for the difference.

Low confidence: the production gap is narrow enough that weekly context matters more than the season line.

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TELos Angeles Chargers#23PPG LEADER
Oronde Gadsden II
PPG
7.1
Games
15
Rec
49
Rec Yds
664
Rec TDs
3
Targets
69
Bye
Week 7
TENew York Giants#24
Theo Johnson
PPG
7.0
Games
15
Rec
45
Rec Yds
528
Rec TDs
5
Targets
74
Bye
Week 8

The Edge Chart

VolumeEfficiencyTD UpsideFloorCeilingDurability
Oronde Gadsden II
Theo Johnson

Head to Head

7.1 PPG7.0 PPG
15 GP15 GP
Bye: Week 7Bye: Week 8

Fantasy Tiers

Oronde Gadsden II: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) TE (ranked #23 at the position). Theo Johnson: Tier 3 (Flex/Starter) TE (ranked #24 at the position). Among the top 30 tight ends this season, Oronde Gadsden II is producing at 32% of elite pace and Theo Johnson at 32%. These two are close enough in the rankings that weekly matchup should dictate your start.

Oronde Gadsden II vs Theo Johnson: The Full Breakdown

This is a genuine coin flip on paper. Oronde Gadsden II finished the 2025 season at 7.1 PPG over 15 games with the Los Angeles Chargers, while Theo Johnson clocked in at 7.0 across 15 appearances for the New York Giants. A 0.1-point gap means any given week could go either way.

With a margin this thin, season averages are not the deciding factor. Weekly variables like opponent defense, game script, and injury status carry more weight than a fraction of a PPG. The right start in Week 6 might be the wrong start in Week 14.

Both see steady target volume for the tight end position. Oronde Gadsden II had 49 catches for 664 yards; Theo Johnson posted 45 for 528. At a position where most starters barely clear 7 PPG, this class of tight end is where the fantasy advantage lives week to week.

One scheduling note: Oronde Gadsden II is off Week 7 and Theo Johnson Week 8. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in tight end for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Oronde Gadsden II (age 22) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset. Theo Johnson (age 25) has years of prime production ahead. Buy-and-hold dynasty asset.

Did You Know?

  • Oronde Gadsden II outscored Theo Johnson by a projected 2 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
  • Theo Johnson scored 5 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.3 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at tight end.
  • Theo Johnson saw 74 targets in 2025. Target volume is the single strongest predictor of weekly PPR production at the tight end position.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Oronde Gadsden II vs Theo Johnson: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
StatOronde Gadsden IITheo Johnson
PPG (Half-PPR)7.17.0
Games Played1515
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)107105
Receptions4945
Rec/Game3.33.0
Receiving Yards664528
Rec Yds/Game44.335.2
Receiving TDs35
Targets6974
Target Share/Game4.64.9
Age2225
Experience-1 yrs
Bye WeekWeek 7Week 8

Summary

Based on 2025 production, Oronde Gadsden II holds the PPG edge with low-end output at 7.1 points per game. Theo Johnson averaged 7.0 PPG. Season averages are a starting point, not the final word. For a full AI analysis factoring matchup quality, recent form, injury impact, and game script, download DraftCall and get a verdict backed by real data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Oronde Gadsden II or Theo Johnson in fantasy football?

Based on 2025 season averages, Oronde Gadsden II has the edge at 7.1 PPG compared to Theo Johnson's 7.0 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

How many fantasy points did Oronde Gadsden II and Theo Johnson average in 2025?

Oronde Gadsden II averaged 7.1 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 15 games in 2025. Theo Johnson averaged 7.0 PPG over 15 games. That is a difference of 0.1 points per game.

When are Oronde Gadsden II and Theo Johnson's bye weeks in 2026?

Oronde Gadsden II (LAC) has a bye in Week 7, and Theo Johnson (NYG) has a bye in Week 8. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Oronde Gadsden II or Theo Johnson a better fantasy tight end in 2026?

Oronde Gadsden II outscored Theo Johnson by 0.1 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.