Ryan Mathews, Malcom Floyd, Antonio Gates' Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 1

Fantasy owners who had their Week 1 matchups decided on the last game of the week probably weren't thrilled to see the 18-17 score between the San Diego Chargers and Arizona Cardinals Monday night.

Still, though, there were some useful performances on both sides of the ball. 

For San Diego, Ryan Mathews was practically invisible in the first half, but a 20-yard touchdown scamper saved his day as he finished with 60 total yards (40 rushing, 20 receiving) and the aforementioned score. 

U-T San Diego's Kevin Acee noted an important detail about his longest run of the day:

Once regarded as a first-round bust incapable of staying healthy, Mathews transformed into a fantasy star over the second half of last season partly because he was running with that noticeable burst Acee alluded to, and partly because of a huge workload. 

The latter wasn't quite there, but after Danny Woodhead turned his seven touches into 11 yards and the newly signed Donald Brown, who many thought would turn San Diego's backfield into a committee, ran for negative-two yards on two carries, it's clear Mathews is still the workhorse of this offense. 

Rick Scuteri/Associated Press

His blend of talent and his role make him a solid RB2 with RB1 upside, but he saw very little running room against the Cardinals' stout defense, and it will be tough sledding again next week vs. the Seattle Seahawks. After that, though, get ready to pounce with a buy-low offer. 

Over in the passing game, Keenan Allen was expected to be the go-to guy, but he was outshined by Antonio Gates and Malcom Floyd. 

Gates turned his team-high 10 targets into six catches and 81 yards. NFL.com's Ian Rapoport put it simply:

At 34, he's a bit of an injury risk—he entered Monday night's game questionable—and has a rare talent in Ladarius Green nipping at his heels for playing time, but he's clearly still one of Philip Rivers' favorite targets. He's a TE2 moving forward. 

Then we have Floyd, and if you were paying attention during the offseason, Monday's four-catch, 50-yard, one-touchdown outburst wasn't exactly a surprise. He was named the "runaway MVP" from training camp by U-T San Diego's Tom Krasovic, and ESPN's Eric Williams (subscription needed) called him Rivers' "most consistent target."

While I wouldn't spend big waiver-wire dollars on the 33-year-old coming off major neck surgery, it would be smart to give him a long look if you're in need of a wide receiver. At the very least, keep a very close eye on him moving forward.