Late-season fantasy football lottery tickets don't usually come in all shapes and sizes. When you read articles this time of year about guys to stash in hopes of a stretch-run breakout, chances are the focus will be on running backs.

But wouldn't fantasy owners benefit just as much (if not more) from a tight end who comes out of nowhere to post top-tier numbers the rest of the way? Only five tight ends are averaging double-digit fantasy points per game in standard leagues this year - ex-military trainers, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and carrying teammates extended distances.

Since Green's playing time has been so limited, we don't have much to measure the in-season results, but it's at least promising that on the five snaps he's been asked to pass block, he hasn't allowed Philip Rivers to be pressured.

Antonio Gates, on the other hand, is a problem that a carb-heavy diet isn't going to solve. To his credit, Gates is numberFire's eighth-ranked tight end in terms of Reception NEP. He's currently on pace for his third 1,000-plus yard receiving season, and also happens to be one of the most popular players in Chargers history. It would clearly take a significant injury to open the door for Green to emerge as a fantasy threat this season, but there are some signs the Chargers may envision a larger role for him going forward.

Are the Chargers Figuring it Out?

Last week against the Broncos, Green saw a career high 22 snaps on offense, and responded with a 25-yard reception on his only official target. He also had a 23-yard catch wiped out by a holding penalty on King Dunlap.

It may turn out to be nothing, but maybe the Chargers have finally realized that dullards like Vincent Brown (ranked 72nd at wide receiver in Reception NEP) and Eddie Royal (39th - inflated by his hot start) are dragging down their passing game, while perhaps the most dangerous offensive weapon on the team rots away on the pine. And while Gates has turned in a nice bounce back season, how much longer can the Chargers ignore his zero touchdowns and middling 49 yards per game average since the calendar turned to October?

Again, I'm not suggesting Green will become a conquering fantasy hero unless Gates were to suffer a major injury. It just doesn't make much sense that Dennis Johnson is being stashed in 20% of Yahoo leagues, while literally no one has taken a flier on Green. Even if Johnson were to become the Texans starter, chances are he'd return RB3 numbers. If Green were thrust into a starting role, he possesses the physical gifts and efficiency to post top-five numbers at tight end - exactly the type of "out of nowhere" production that can swing your league championship.

If you still have a fifth wideout or second defense loitering on the end of your roster, you could do worse than to pick up Green. Cross your fingers, and hope to cash that lotto ticket in the fantasy playoffs.