San Diego Chargers running back Ryan Mathews recently said in an interview with XTRA Sports 1360 in San Diego that one of big differences for him this offseason is that he is "in way better shape" and feeling "real confident" in his progression as a pro. Mathews went on to explain that the lockout limited his offseason training.

Fantasy Analysis:

Mathews will be entering his third year with San Diego after compiling 1,546 total yards and six touchdowns. Many analysts are anticipating that Mathews takes another big step forward in 2012. The Chargers no longer have Mike Tolbert (now in Carolina) and the new backup is Ronnie Brown. Mathews should be selected in the second half of the first round in your fantasy draft. In PPR formats, he could go even higher since he caught 50 passes last year.