SAN DIEGO -- He has not played a full, 16-game season since entering the league as a first-round selection of the Los Angeles Chargers in the 2015 draft, but running back Melvin Gordon should serve as the engine of the team's offense in 2017.
New head coach Anthony Lynn wants to lean on the running game, creating more balance on offense and taking some pressure off quarterback Philip Rivers to carry the load. That should mean more touches for Gordon, particularly closing out games in the fourth quarter.
It’s one of the reasons I’m bullish on Gordon for fantasy leagues this year. Gordon was ranked as the No. 8 running back in our ESPN Fantasy Football Summit, and I think that’s too low.
Gordon finished with 1,416 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns last season despite missing the final three games of the year. I think he can put up even better numbers in 2017. The key for Gordon will be staying healthy.
Lynn will do a better job of keeping Gordon fresh throughout the season by sprinkling in his stable of running backs throughout the game, including Branden Oliver, Andre Williams and Kenjon Barner. So, unlike last year, Gordon should not wear down by the end of the season.
Gordon was selected at the end of the second round by ESPN Insider Field Yates in our Fantasy Football Summit mock draft, the No. 8 running back picked. Again, Gordon should have been picked higher in my opinion.
Other Chargers that appear on the ESPN NFL fantasy rankings include Rivers at No. 15 among quarterbacks.
Keenan Allen is ranked 20th among receivers, while Mike Williams is No. 45 and Tyrell Williams is No. 47. I would flip-flop Tyrell Williams and Mike Williams. Rookie receivers usually have a rough transition in their first year.
Among the tight ends, Hunter Henry is No. 10 and Antonio Gates is No. 22. That seems about right, as there likely will be more of an emphasis to get Henry the ball now that the Arkansas product is in his second season.
Rivers should get more love in fantasy. He usually finishes among the top 15 in fantasy points scored among quarterbacks. Rivers hasn’t missed a start in more than a decade, and he throws a lot of touchdowns when the Chargers get into the red zone.
Rivers is a nice, mid-round sleeper in fantasy drafts.