As players on the injured reserved list now become eligible to return, fantasy owners need to be vigilant as there are a few intriguing options that could easily bolster your roster going into the playoffs. While Greg Olsen is rightfully the most popular choice to acquire, there is another notable athlete that is making his return after being injured during week one of the season. Especially in PPR leagues, running back Danny Woodhead is a fantastic and productive fantasy option for a Baltimore Ravens team that has been tentative at throwing the deep ball. While it’s difficult to gauge how many snaps Woodhead will play against the Green Bay Packers this week (assuming he plays), his utilization in the Ravens offense should allow him to get a nice target share against a poor Packers defense.
Team: Baltimore Ravens
Position: Running Back
Percent Owned On Fantasy Teams: (Yahoo Fantasy): 40%
Fantasy Points Total Thru Week 10 (Half PPR): Projected: 7.76 Actual: 5.20
Seeing as how Woodhead has only played in three games over the last two years, we have to dig a little deeper to see how his value has been useful for fantasy owners throughout his career. With the San Diego Chargers in 2015, Woodhead was targeted 106 times for 755 yards and six touchdowns. While Woodhead may be a running back technically, he only amassed 336 rushing yards for three touchdowns in 2015. Before players such as Alvin Kamara and Le’Veon Bell exploded onto the scene has proficient dual-threat weapons, Woodhead was quietly making a living at being a receiving dominant running back that was heavily utilized when healthy.
Considering how well running back Alex Collins has performed for the Ravens as a pure rusher, the door will be wide open for Woodhead to excel at what he does best. Averaging just 5.33 yards per pass attempt (career low), Flacco will be overjoyed to have a passing option that is not named Buck Allen or Benjamin Watson. Even better, defenses cannot automatically assume that Woodhead will be a pass-catcher 100% of the time as the versatile playmaker is swift enough to carry the rock between the tackles. If nothing else, Woodhead’s presence on the field may open up opportunities for other receivers, which will increase their fantasy value albeit slightly.
Even if Woodhead does not suit up this week, he assuredly will be a go-to weapon for Flacco in a Ravens offense that is heavily reliant on tight ends and dynamic running backs to score points. If you’re in the running for a coveted playoff spot in your league, Woodhead is worth stashing away on your bench for safe-keeping until he gets ample playing time to prove he can be as efficient as he has been in the past when healthy.
