Branden Oliver, Melvin Gordon Post-Preseason Week 1 Fantasy Advice

San Diego Chargers first-round pick Melvin Gordon has been pegged as the team's running back of the future, but backup Branden Oliver stole the show Thursday night against the Dallas Cowboys. 

Here's a look at how the two tailbacks stacked up in the Chargers' preseason opener: 

	Carries	Rush Yards	TD	Rec.	Rec. Yards	TD
Melvin Gordon	6	11	0	---	---	---
Branden Oliver	10	53	1	---	---	---

Gordon's 1.8 yard-per-carry average doesn't look good on paper, but it would be unfair to judge the rookie based on such a small sample size in his first-ever preseason appearance.

In deeper formats, the 2015 first-round pick is still worth a look as an RB2 with a relatively high ceiling given the fluidity he displayed moving between the tackles at Wisconsin. In 10-team leagues, Gordon projects as either an RB2 or flex play. 

One of the contributing factors to his status as such has to do with goal-line work. On a Chargers team that also touts Danny Woodhead, Gordon has the makings of a two-down back who will thrive thanks to his big-play ability.

In fact, Woodhead's lone carry Thursday night went for a touchdown, as Yahoo Sports' Brad Evans documented: 

Oliver was the most prolific runner the Chargers boasted against Dallas, as evidenced by his 10-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, per NFL.com:

The diminutive 5'8" change-of-pace back is intriguing thanks to his blend of speed and power, but he shouldn't garner consideration as anything more than a late-round draft-and-stash option in deeper leagues. 

Despite his lackluster debut, Gordon is still the Chargers back to own in standard formats. Woodhead could emerge as the best value—particularly in PPR leagues—but the rookie is far and away the most talented runner San Diego has to offer.