The San Diego Chargers used a running-back-by-committee approach on Monday night against the Chicago Bears. They rushed the ball 19 times for 77 yards, with 11 carries going to Melvin Gordon, six to Danny Woodhead and two to Donald Brown.
Woodhead continues to be the best fantasy play because of his impressive pass-catching ability. He was the team’s most productive pass-catcher with wide receiver Malcom Floyd missing most of the game with an injury.
Woodhead finished with six receptions for 78 yards and a touchdown. He did, however, drop two passes.
The Chargers and quarterback Philip Rivers are always going to be pass-heavy, which makes Woodhead the most reliable play out of the three.
San Diego’s next three opponents—the Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Denver Broncos—are all ranked in the top 11 in terms of rushing yards allowed per game. This is where Woodhead becomes more valuable, because even if they are stuffing the run, he can always break out with a long screen pass for a score.
Even with that added dimension, Woodhead is an RB2 at best in points-per-reception leagues and a low-end RB2 in non-PPR leagues.
Gordon has carried the rushing load this season with a team-leading 114 rushes, but it hasn’t translated into success, as he has failed to find the end zone all year.
The next three opponents affect Gordon much more than Woodhead. If you must keep him on your roster, he belongs on the bench until he proves he can score.
Brown only saw playing time because San Diego placed backup Branden Oliver on the injured reserve list last week with a toe injury. His first two carries of the season came against the Bears, but he is not even worth a fantasy roster spot at this point with Woodhead and Gordon receiving the bulk of the carries.
There isn’t a running back on San Diego to get excited about.
Forget about Brown, and go with Gordon only if you are dealing with byes. Proceed with caution when it comes to Woodhead, who won’t provide much if he doesn’t catch at least five or six passes and score a touchdown.
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