Stop looking for the next Christian McCaffrey. He doesn't exist. But if you’re hunting for that specific brand of "safety valve" production that keeps your weekly floor high enough to survive a bad quarterback performance, we need to talk about Woody Marks. Jo’quavious “Woody” Marks has been a name floating around devy and dynasty circles for years, yet the mainstream fantasy community still seems a bit hesitant. Why? Maybe it’s the Mississippi State "Air Raid" stigma or the fact that he isn't a 230-pound bruiser. Honestly, if you're ignoring Woody Marks fantasy football potential because he doesn't look like a traditional goal-line hammer, you're missing the forest for the trees.
The move to USC changed everything. Lincoln Riley’s offense is a goldmine for running backs who can catch, and Marks didn't just catch passes at Mississippi State—he broke records. We are talking about a guy who left the SEC as the all-time leader in receptions for a running back with 214 catches. That’s not a typo. That’s a career's worth of targets that most wide receivers would envy. When he hit the transfer portal and landed in Los Angeles, his fantasy stock didn't just go up; it shifted into a different dimension of utility.
Woody Marks Fantasy Football Value in PPR Formats
Let’s be real. In standard scoring, Marks is fine. In Full PPR? He’s a cheat code. The logic is simple: a five-yard catch is worth 1.5 points (the catch plus the yardage), whereas a five-yard run is only worth 0.5. Marks specializes in those high-percentage touches. During his time at USC, he proved that he wasn't just a product of Mike Leach’s system. He showed vision. He showed an ability to pass-protect—which, let’s face it, is the only way a college back stays on the field for three downs in the NFL.
If you’re drafting in a dynasty startup or looking at his rookie projections, you have to weigh his age against his immediate readiness. He’s an older prospect. That’s the reality of the modern transfer portal era. But for fantasy, "old" for a rookie often means "ready to play Week 1." He isn't a developmental project like some of the high-upside traits-based backs who don't know how to pick up a blitz. Marks is a pro right now. You’re betting on the floor.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Think about the way the NFL is moving. It’s all about light boxes and check-downs. Defensive coordinators are terrified of the deep ball, so they play two-high shells and dare you to throw it to your running back ten times a game. Woody Marks lives for that dare. He’s comfortable in space, his hands are reliable, and he knows how to manipulate defenders in the open field. He’s basically a slot receiver who happens to take handoffs.
Why the Scouting Reports Might Be Lying to You
You’ll hear the knocks. "He lacks elite breakaway speed." "He’s not a pile-pusher." Fine. Whatever. You aren't drafting him to be Derrick Henry. You’re drafting him to be the guy who gets you 12.8 points every single week without fail. In the world of Woody Marks fantasy football analysis, the most underrated trait is his durability combined with that receiving volume. People assumed he’d crumble under a heavy workload in the SEC. He didn't. They assumed he’d be a niche player at USC. He became the engine.
The Lincoln Riley Effect
It’s worth looking at what Riley has done with similar backs. From Joe Mixon to Rhamondre Stevenson (back at Oklahoma), Riley knows how to utilize a back who can navigate traffic. Marks brought a level of veteran composure to that backfield that was desperately needed. For fantasy managers, this translates to "high-value touches." A touch inside the ten-yard line or a target in the red zone is worth exponentially more than a carry on 1st and 10 from your own 20. Marks gets those high-value opportunities because coaches trust him not to fumble and not to miss a block.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
Translating to the Pro Level
When we look at his NFL draft profile and subsequent fantasy outlook, the comparisons usually land on guys like Danny Woodhead or maybe a more robust Myles Gaskin. But Marks has a thicker frame than people realize. He’s built to take the hits. If he lands in a system like Miami, San Francisco, or even a rejuvenated Chargers offense under a coordinator who prizes versatility, his ceiling is a high-end RB2.
- Check the landing spot: If he goes to a team with an established veteran but no clear pass-catching back, buy the dip.
- Volume is king: Don't obsess over his YPC (yards per carry). Look at his targets per game.
- Late-round value: In redraft leagues, he’s likely going to be a double-digit round pick. That’s where championships are won.
Misconceptions About the Air Raid Background
There’s this lingering bias that "Air Raid" backs can't run between the tackles. It’s nonsense. Marks spent years running against Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. He’s seen the fastest linebackers in the world and found ways to gain positive yardage. His contact balance is actually one of his best-kept secrets. He isn't going to truck a 250-pound middle linebacker, but he’ll spin off the first contact and fall forward for three extra yards. Those "hidden" yards add up over a season.
Honestly, the fantasy community often overvalues "potential" and undervalues "production." Marks has been productive since he was a true freshman. He hasn't had a "down" year in terms of involvement. He’s a volume monster who has survived the gauntlet of the toughest conferences in college football.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
Actionable Strategies for Fantasy Managers
If you're in a dynasty league, Woody Marks is the perfect "win-now" target. Owners who are obsessed with 20-year-old prospects will overlook him because he’s "capped." Use that. Trade a future second-rounder or a flash-in-the-pan wide receiver for him. In redraft, keep him on your queue for those rounds where everyone starts drafting backup tight ends and "vibes" picks. Marks has a clearer path to weekly relevance than 90% of the players drafted after round 10.
- Target him in Zero-RB builds: He is the quintessential Zero-RB target because he provides immediate PPR value without needing 20 carries.
- Watch the preseason usage: If he's playing with the starters and getting third-down reps, his ADP will skyrocket. Grab him before the hype train leaves the station.
- Don't overpay in standard: If your league doesn't give points for catches, downgrade him significantly. His value is tied to his hands.
The reality of Woody Marks fantasy football utility is that he represents the evolution of the position. He is a specialized weapon that is becoming less "specialized" and more "essential" in the modern game. He won't give you a 40-point week very often, but he also won't give you a 2-point week that ruins your Sunday. In a game as volatile as fantasy football, that kind of consistency is worth its weight in gold.
Stop waiting for the "perfect" prospect. They don't exist. Instead, look for the guy who has already shown you exactly who he is for four straight years. Woody Marks is a pass-catching machine who knows how to find the end zone and stay on the field. Draft him, plug him into your flex spot, and watch the points accumulate while your league-mates complain about their "high-upside" rookies who aren't getting any snaps.
Immediate Next Steps:
Check your league's scoring settings specifically for "Point Per First Down" or "Reception Bonus." If either exists, move Marks up your draft board by at least two full rounds. Scour your dynasty waiver wires if your league has shallow rosters; he is frequently dropped by managers chasing "lottery ticket" wideouts. Finally, monitor his training camp reports specifically regarding his "pass protection" grades—this is the single most important factor for his Year 1 snap count.