San Diego Chargers running back Branden Oliver had a breakout performance against the New York Jets in Week 5, rushing for 114 yards on 19 carries to go with four catches for 68 yards on four targets. The rookie scored two times in the blowout 31-0 victory.
Branden Oliver emerges as a fantasy pickup with Donald Brown injury
Branden Oliver was magnificent in Week 5. We break down the fantasy implications.
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Running back Donald Brown suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return. Brown walked back to the locker room under his own power, so it's not likely a serious concussion. Of course, the NFL-mandated concussion protocol could keep him out next week. He finished with 26 yards on nine carries.
Brown was been a letdown this season and entered Sunday with a 2.0 yards-per-carry average. Meanwhile, Oliver was electric and matched Brown’s season output with just one game.
Fantasy impact: There's really no way the Chargers should keep Oliver out of the starting lineup. The Jets had an elite rushing defense entering today and Oliver was able to break multiple tackles. He's one of the best waiver-wire pickups and should have value until Ryan Mathews comes back from his MCL injury, which could be later this month.
