Danny Woodhead has been fantasy gold so far this season. With Malcom Floyd out for the season, it is likely the running back's numbers will only get better. However, history does not work in Woodhead's favor and he may or may not be a fantasy favorite come the end of the season so owners beware.
Woodhead garnered 20 points in fantasy after Week 4. Against Dallas he rushed for 32 yards on five carries, while putting up 54 yards receiving and two touchdowns on five catches. That had plenty of owners watering at the mouth over the potential Woodhead showed. He is popular once again, but will it last? Woodhead has struggled with consistency in the past and it could happen again in the Chargers' Week 5 matchup against the Oakland Raiders.
Yes, the Raiders could make Woodhead's day difficult. Oakland has given up the third fewest fantasy points to running backs so far this season. While Woodhead proved capable of picking apart defenses against the Cowboys, the Raiders might surprise a few people and slow him down. Quarterback Philip Rivers is confident Woodhead keeps up the big numbers.
"Danny's funny because in a lot of ways he looks like a wide receiver the way he runs routes and the way he catches the ball," Rivers said, via Bleacher Report. "But, he's a heck of a running back as you see. I was handing it to him. You get him matched up there on a linebacker on a go route. It's not a ball you throw very often but when it comes up, you've got to take advantage of it. I know a lot of you heard me say how excited I was about him all offseason. He's been everything I certainly expected and hoped for these first four weeks of the season."
Owners likely have Woodhead as their second-option back anyways and should be wise to not buy what Rivers is selling. In points-per-reception leagues, Woodhead should probably stay as a top player. But in standard leagues, keep Woodhead on the bench and explore options. One breakout performance is not enough to completely buy into him. The Raiders have injuries in the secondary that will open them up to big pass plays. Rivers is on a roll passing and will likely feast off this.
