The Chargers imploded last season with a 7-9 record, leading to a coaching change. San Diego canned longtime head coach Norv Turner and went with Mike McCoy, who brings his offensive game plan from Denver. Though the new guy brings solid coaching credentials, what the Chargers really need is a personnel overhaul, especially offensively. If Philip Rivers is to find his previous top-10 fantasy form, he'll need a revitalized Antonio Gates, an assertive (and healthy) Ryan Mathews and legitimate help from his wide receivers corps. Actually, the offensive line stands as San Diego's biggest concern, which is why first round D.J. Fluker should enter the lineup quickly at offensive tackle. Fellow rookie ILB Manti Te'o and pass rusher Dwight Freeney join a defensive unit that finished ninth overall last season. Don't expect any bolt sightings in the postseason.
Rivers is a solid QB pick for your draft. His 3,600 yard plus season in 2012 was 1,000 yards shy of his 2011 mark, but he threw about the same number of TDs and less INTs. Rivers has weapons at his disposal, but the team needs to get in sync to be effective. Hopefully Mike McCoy's leadership can add a spark. I think Rivers should boost his yardage numbers this season and throw his consistent 25-28TDs.
Charlie Whitehurst will be the guy to play if Rivers gets injured. He is not draft worthy in fantasy formats.
In my opinion, Mathews is a stud running back, but he falls signifcantly down the draft sheets this season. At this point he should be considered a solid'safe pick at RB. He might not have had the expected output last season, but I think he will be ready to go this year. His ability to catch the ball as well as run adds to his value. The addition of Danny Woodhead to the running back mix should be interesting, but not severely cut into Mathews' workload. Mathews is the starter here and he should show increased fantasy performance in 2013.
Woodhead is an interesting addition to San Diego's rushing core. Mathews will take the lead, but Woodhead, Brown and McClain can all change pace and add value to this running game. Woodhead should be categorized as a sleeper considering his new team and undefined role. I think he has great potential to perform in this scenario, so keep your eyes on him in your draft. You might be able to steal him.
Personally, I do not think McClain is draft worthy. He might see more action than Brown, but he is not going to push Woodhead out of the second back position. McClain is a fullback and will be used to block for Mathews and Woodhead. He will have little to no fantasy value.
Ronnie Brown is past his prime. He does show a spark of the past every now and again, but he is not a guy to draft too early or in my opinion at all. I think Danny Woodhead will be the change of pace back this season and that leaves Brown out in the cold. He might get some carries here and there.
