Top 5 2013 Fantasy Football Players: San Diego Chargers
Top 5 2013 Fantasy Players of San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers have a good roster that failed to deliver for fantasy owners last year. Quarterback Philip Rivers failed to throw for 4,000 yards after achieving the feat four years in a row. The departure of Vincent Jackson really hurt Rivers's deep ball options. Running back Ryan Mathews had a great sophomore campaign in 2011, but a collarbone injury limited his production to just one touchdown in 2012. Vincent Brown was poised for a breakout season, but an ankle injury during the preseason hindered his production. Robert Meachem was brought in from the New Orleans Saints to lead the receiver unit, and signed a $14 million guaranteed contract last winter, only to have just 14 receptions last season and fade out of the rotation. The only good news was that the team's defense was ranked sixth overall. However, offensive production is more important than defensive production in fantasy leagues, unless you play in an individual defensive player (IDP) league.
This year, Mike McCoy has replaced Norv Turner as the head coach. He has brought in Ken Whisenhunt as offensive coordinator. This change of pace may be good for Chargers. Many fantasy options on the Chargers are undervalued this season because of their sub-par performance last year, which smart fantasy owners can take advantage of. They will just have to keep an eye for these gems later in the rounds.
Here are five solid players worth keeping an eye out during your fantasy draft. Like always, check your league's depth and scoring format. Also, remember that real life is more important than the fantasy game. Don't lose sleep just because your fantasy team is not producing. Just go and have fun.
Robert Lin is a writer for Rantsports.com. Follow him on Twitter @rlin2k or add him to your Google network.
5. Defense
During the preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks, the Chargers' first defensive unit did a wonderful job containing the Seahawks in the first quarter. The Seahawks were one of the top teams last season, so this shows that the Chargers' defense is still phenomenal. he team drafted Manti Te'o from Notre Dame and signed former All-Pro defensive end Dwight Freeney to improve their already fearsome pass rush.
4. Antonio Gates
Tight end Antonio Gates's body is finally catching up to his age. He still had a respectable seven touchdowns, but he was limited to just 49 catches and 538 receiving yards. Gates has altered his diet and stepped up his workouts, as he plans to play for a few more seasons. Rivers still looks to the tight end for receptions, so the capacity to be huge in fantasy is still there if Gates can elude the linebackers.
3. Danny Woodhead
Danny Woodhead fills the no. 3 spot because Ryan Mathews is a huge injury risk. Woodhead has championship experience with the New England Patriots and he can also catch the ball. He might actually carry more than 100 times and have more than 50 catches too this season.
2. Vincent Brown
Fellow wideout Danario Alexander is out for the season with a torn ACL. That means Brown is the other starting wide receiver alongside Malcom Floyd. Last season, an ankle injury limited Brown to 19 catches, 329 yards, and two touchdowns. This season, he seems poised for a breakout if his hamstring injury is not too serious. If he cannot deliver, look for rookie Keenan Allen to be a surprise fantasy option. I'm not trusting Floyd, who has never broken more than 900 yards and six touchdowns in his entire career.
1. Philip Rivers
Rivers has always been a pretty good quarterback, but rarely a great one. A new offensive philosophy may help his fantasy value, but he still has a nagging shoulder. In addition, the Chargers' offensive line remains soft. Rivers will be a solid backup QB on your fantasy team.
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