Already without starting running back Ryan Mathews, who was sidelined for a third straight game because of an MCL sprain, the Chargers looked like they'd be without a running game when backup Donald Brown suffered a concussion in the second quarter Week 5 against the Jets. But that's only because Branden Oliver hadn't made himself known yet.
Against a defense that entered the day ranked No. 1 against the run, allowing 63.3 yards per game, Oliver turned in the Chargers' best rushing performance of the season, picking up 114 yards on 19 carries. He capped his first drive with a 15-yard touchdown run up the middle and weaved his way through the defense for a 52-yard gain early in the third quarter. And just for good measure, he had another 50-yard gain and a touchdown on two separate plays receiver.
He looks like he could be an every-down back for an offense that could use one, which would seem like a match made in Fantasy heaven. But with Mathews now three weeks into what was expected to be a four-to-five-week absence, Oliver may not be long for the role.
He's still a high priority on the waiver wire this week since Mathews could always suffer a setback, but understand that Oliver won't just get to take the job and run with it.