Alex Smith vs Antonio Gates: Who Wins on NFL Stats?

The career statistics tell a clear story in this TE comparison. Antonio Gates holds the advantage in 6 of 6 key categories, with Rec Touchdowns representing the most decisive gap — a 792.3% difference that separates these two NFL players. This is not a close debate on the numbers.

Antonio Gates's Rec Touchdowns of 116 compared to Alex Smith's 13 represents a 792.3% advantage — dramatically better than their counterpart in this critical category. Alex Smith falls 62.9% below the career average of 35 in this category while Antonio Gates exceeds it. It is the single most decisive number in this comparison and the clearest statistical argument for Antonio Gates's edge.

The most competitive category in this matchup is Yards Per Reception, where Alex Smith posts 9.0 against Antonio Gates's 12.4 — a gap of just 37.8%. Alex Smith can point to this as evidence that the overall comparison is closer than the final 6-0 tally suggests. In any debate, Yards Per Reception is the statistical ammunition for the Alex Smith side.

The tight end position demands a rare combination of size, athleticism and football IQ. Career receiving production at tight end reflects the ability to dominate as a mismatch weapon, red zone threat and reliable safety valve.

Antonio Gates wins this head to head comparison decisively — 6 categories to 0. The 792.3% gap in Rec Touchdowns alone makes a compelling case, but the consistency across multiple categories confirms Antonio Gates's statistical superiority in this NFL career comparison.