Danny Woodhead

Just about everything went wrong with the San Diego rushing game last year. The offensive line was an injury-riddled mess. Rookie RB Melvin Gordon couldn't pick up the pro game. The Chargers defense collapsed, forcing the offense to go pass-happy almost weekly. Bad for a running game. But good for a cagey pass-catching veteran like Woodhead, who finished the yearns the No. 11 back in basic scoring and the No. 4 man in PPR formats— remarkable rankings for someone who had just 98 rushing attempts. Woodhead collected 69 percent of his yardage through the air, and he led all running backs in targets, catches, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns. It's the type of career year you don't count on repeating, especially into an age-31 season. That said, Gordon is coming off microfracture surgery and the Chargers didn't add any major backfield competition. Quarterback Philip Rivers trusts Woodhead in many different situations and packages, and a number of their connections come as last-resort checkdowns. We're not going to call for Woodhead to come close to repeating last year's haul, but he can give back a fair share of those numbers and still be on the cusp of weekly fantasy consideration this fall.

A broken fibula in Week 3 ended Woodhead's season, quashing any chance he had of repeating his 2013 career year. His numbers look poor, but considering the only two defenses he really faced were two of the best in Seattle and Arizona, a decline in his per-touch production can't be a surprise. While Woodhead's soft hands, sharp routes and pass-blocking might not be hampered by the injury, a large part of his effectiveness is based on speed and elusiveness. Coach Mike McCoy said at OTAs that Woodhead looked as good last year, but it remains to be seen whether he's lost a step. If he makes a full recovery, Woodhead will fill his usual third-down role behind first-round pick Melvin Gordon, and compete for backup touches with Branden Oliver and Donald Brown.

Though Woodhead was productive scat back with New England, it's safe to say that no one saw last season's PPR masterpiece coming in his first year as a Charger. Woodhead caught more balls in 2013 than he had in his two best NFL seasons combined. He also enjoyed the highest carry total of his career last year, though that 4.0 YPC won't take him too far. Nonetheless, he was a huge part of what the Chargers did in the red zone, as he received 19 carries and 22 pass targets inside the 20 – a large factor in his career-high eight touchdowns. He figures to enjoy a similar role in his second season with San Diego, again taking third-down duties away from Ryan Mathews.

A 5-8, 197-pound scatback, Woodhead totaled more than 2,100 yards and posted 14 touchdowns in three seasons in New England. Now in San Diego, Woodhead should do the same this season for the Chargers. He's expected to see a significant chunk of third-down work, and considering starter Ryan Mathews' durability problems, Woodhead has a good opportunity for increased carries even if he shares with fellow backup Ronnie Brown.

Although he saw his receiving numbers cut nearly in half last year compared to the prior season, Woodhead is the favorite to act as New England’s primary third-down back. The team’s depth chart also includes Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Joseph Addai, so there’s not much of a role for Woodhead beyond that. Aside from extremely deep PPR formats, Woodhead is probably no more than an emergency bye-week fill-in at best.

Released by the Jets in training camp, Woodhead joined New England and made an impact. As a situational player, he totaled 926 yards and six touchdowns on just 131 touches. Expect him to be used similarly in 2011 as a member of a crowded Patriots’ backfield that includes BenJarvus Green-Ellis and two rookies. Woodhead has more value in PPR formats.

He'll probably be the No. 3 or No. 4 back into the season, which means players will have to get hurt before Woodhead comes into any appreciable fantasy value. The Jets like his work ethic, but no one is deluded into thinking Woodhead is a future star.

Woodhead enters traing camp as the Jets No.4 RB and as a result needs a break or two to make the team, let alone make any fantasy impact with Thomas Jones, Shonn Greene and Leon Washington ahead of him.