Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Mathews played all 16 games for the first time in his career last season, and he set career-highs with 285 carries for 1,255 yards while adding seven total touchdowns (six rushing, one receiving). The San Diego Chargers lost offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt this offseason when he was hired as head coach of the Tennessee Titans, but their offensive system should remain unchanged with Mike McCoy as head coach.
Positives
As mentioned, Mathews had a fully healthy season in 2013 and finished strongly with 473 rushing yards (three 100-yard games) and three touchdowns from Week 14-Week 17. Chargers’ general manager Tom Telesco, for what it’s worth, has declared that Mathews will remain the team’s No. 1 running back this season.
Mathews proved to be an effective goal line option last season, with five touchdowns over the final eight games, including three one-yard scores. Being the primary goal line back from the start this coming season, assuming it happens, stands to yield a career-high in touchdowns.
Negatives
Mathews’ production as a pass catcher continued a downward trend last season, with 26 catches for 189 yards, while Danny Woodhead had 76 receptions (second on the team) for 605 yards. That may not change a lot in 2014, so Mathews will not add a lot of value in PPR leagues.
Donald Brown was signed as a free agent in March, perhaps with an eye toward replacing Mathews when he becomes a free agent next offseason. But Brown is a threat to take away a few touches per game, and that’s not great news for Mathews’ fantasy upside.
Final Verdict
Mathews was fourth in the league in carries last season, and even with the possibility Brown eats into that a bit 250 carries is a virtual guarantee as long as he stays healthy again. Speaking of his continued health, Mathews still carries some injury risk after missing 10 games in his first three seasons and being bothered by an ankle issue during the playoffs last year. That automatically keeps him out of the top tier of fantasy running backs, but Mathews is still worth targeting as a RB2.
Bye Week: Week 10
Projected Round: Fourth Round (12-Team Leagues)
Auction Value: $22 (via ESPN.com)
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
