Getty Images
The average fantasy football fan may be surprised to learn that Danny Woodhead finished as a top-20 running back in standard scoring leagues last season.
Woodhead produced similar rushing totals when he played for the New England Patriots, but his receiving totals greatly increased in his first year with the San Diego Chargers. The 29-year-old back totaled 429 rushing yards off of 106 carries, but he was able to record 76 receptions for 605 yards. Woodhead also hauled in six touchdown passes, which was a career high. He saw a combined total of 1,034 yards, and he touched the ball 182 times.
While it was a very solid season, Woodhead loses some attention because of his teammate Ryan Mathews. Mathews was a top-10 running back in standard scoring leagues, and his 1,255 rushing total blew Woodhead out of the water. Mathews did see a major decrease in his reception totals, however, and 2013 marked the first year that he was able to appear in all 16 games. Aside from the presence of Mathews, there is still competition for Woodhead on the depth chart.
It was a very surprising move when the Chargers brought in Donald Brown, but after a somewhat positive 2013 season, the Chargers seemed to trust Brown as extra depth for the running back committee. Brown has the abilities of a dual-threat back, but he will reportedly be used as a a blocker and for grunt work. Unless Brown really proves that he is an invaluable part of the offense, fantasy owners should not see much of a loss in the upside of Woodhead.
As a critical part of the offense, Woodhead should be on your fantasy radar.
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.RantSports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
