The encouraging stat in Week 4 for Chargers featured back Ryan Mathews should be an encouraging one for his Fantasy owners as well. That was his four catches for 41 yards in the win over Dallas, which more than doubled his season total of receptions.
Mathews has been established as no more than a second running back or flex option in any Fantasy lineup, but the fact that his receiving total gave him more than 100 yards of production against the Cowboys raises his stock a bit.
He needed to have his stock raised because his rushing numbers have proven unspectacular. He is averaging just 3.5 YPC and has not run for more than 73 yards in a game. More disturbing is the fact that he has yet to visit the end zone.
Week 5 opponent Oakland has been OK against the run, yielding just 4.0 YPC this season to rank 16th in the NFL. The Raiders should be wired in front of their rabid fans, so don't look for a breakout game from Mathews. The three CBSSports.com senior Fantasy writers have him ranked no higher than 16th among NFL running backs this week.
Mathews is a given as a decent Fantasy points producer. Just don't expect too much.