Fantasy football waiver wire: Week 5 Pickups top 10 to target

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Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Duke Johnson (29) runs the ball on Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Raiders won 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

Duke Johnson Jr.-RB-Cleveland Browns (49.5%)

Johnson is the first of three Browns on my list this week since their offense is actually playing well and they have a favorable matchup in Baltimore this week. Cleveland hasn’t won either of their last two games, but they’ve been effective on offense thanks to some emerging talent. One of the players turning in meaningful contributions is rookie running back Duke Johnson Jr. who the Browns picked out of Miami to be a workhorse back for them in the future.

After some preseason injury issues, Johnson has worked slowly into the rotation but is now at least a 50% partner with Isaiah Crowell in the Browns tandem backfield. Johnson has especially found his niche as a receiver out of the backfield catching a total of 15 passes the last two weeks for 117 yards and a touchdown. He added a solid 31 yards on his eight carries on Sunday against the Chargers.

Johnson is a nice flex option in week 5 especially in PPR leagues due to his receiving role. He also has a lot of longterm upside since the Browns are hoping he will continue to grow into an every down back. If someone in your league gave up on Duke too early, go grab him of the fantasy football waiver wire this week.

Next: Ronnie Hillman-RB-Denver Broncos

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