Danny

Woodhead

This one was a blowout, allowing Woodhead to rack up a career high in carries. It wasn’t the fantasy performance owners were looking for, but it’s clear that Woodhead is the team’s primary runner. He’s not the goal-line back and Tom Brady has plenty of other redzone options in the passing game, so don’t expect much except for yardage for Woodhead. That being said, he’s a passable flex option in PPR leagues as the Pats’ lead runner.

Six days after leading the Patriots in rushing against the Dolphins, Woodhead was a non-factor against a stout Chargers’ run defense. The performance again highlights the fact that the pint-sized third-down back simply can’t be trusted as a weekly option outside of deeper PPR leagues.

The Patriots came out throwing, but Woodhead wasn’t on the field much on the first few scoring drives. A first-half drop inside the Bills’ 5-yard line led to an interception while killing a scoring opportunity in the two-minute drill. Woodhead stands to lose snaps if Stevan Ridley’s role continues to increase.

Faulk has reportedly been “highly involved” in day-to-day practices and meetings all season long. It’s hard to see how the 35-year-old passing-down back fits in an already crowded backfield. We doubt he’ll be more effective than Danny Woodhead.

Reiss readily admits the Pats like to split snaps and “lean” on the passing-down back more than most teams. Even if Ridley ends up leading the backfield in snaps, his fantasy value is curbed by a looming timeshare with Shane Vereen and Danny Woodhead. We still like Ridley as a Dynasty “buy” this offseason.

Joseph Addai will be his primary competition, and the Pats may turn toward 2011 second-round pick Shane Vereen when they want more explosiveness on pass plays called for a running back. Woodhead exceeded 10 offensive touches in just one game last season -- Week 1. He’ll remain a lightly used back in 2012.

With Kevin Faulk off the PUP list, Woodhead largely watched the game from the sideline. Aside from a 72-yard performance in Week 1, Woodhead has not surpassed 41 yards from scrimmage this season. He’s safely droppable in all formats.

Officially limited today, Woodhead likely suffered the injury in practice. What he’s able to do Friday could determine his status for Sunday’s game against the Colts. Limited to just 29 touches his past four games, Woodhead won’t be a fantasy option if he plays.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis and perhaps -- with a strong emphasis on perhaps -- Stevan Ridley will be the only usable Patriots running backs against the Colts. Woodhead and Shane Vereen (hamstring, questionable) are uncertain to play.

Woodhead played through the injury in Week 14 and operated as the Pats’ lead back against the Redskins. He should be fine to face the Broncos this week.