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Fantasy football: top waiver wire week 13 pickups

By Zachary Thompson

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Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals running back David Johnson (31) catches a touchdown pass against Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the second half at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

David Johnson-RB-Arizona Cardinals (22.7%)

Last week, there were a number of starting running backs that went down with injuries allowing their backups to step into good position.  Thomas Rawls, Javorius Allen, and Spencer Ware were all top pickups last week, but if you missed out on that gravy train and still need a running back, David Johnson is set up to step up into a huge new role. Johnson’s potential earns him our top spot on the waiver wire week 13.

The Cardinals offense is pass-heavy, but because they are such a high-scoring attack under coach Bruce Arians, their running backs have had fantasy value all season.  Andre Ellington had the job to star the season, but he went down injured leaving David and Chris Johnson to split the workload.  Chris Johnson emerged as the feature back with David Johnson serving as a home-run hitter, return man, and change-of-pace option.  Johnson has eight total touchdowns this season four rushing, three receiving, and one on a kick return.

Last week in week 12, Chris Johnson suffered a serious injury fracturing his tibia.  There is still no certain timetable, but he’ll likely miss the rest of the fantasy season  even if he is available for a return in the playoffs.  The natural replacement for CJ?K would be Andre Ellington except that once again Ellington is injured and dealing with a nagging turf toe injury.  With Chris Johnson and Ellington out, David Johnson has a clear path to the main share of the workload in Arizona’s backfield.

David Johnson does carry some risk since he hasn’t had a heavy workload yet, and just set a career high for carries last week with eight.  He took those eight carries for 21 yards and a touchdown.  He has potential to take any touch to the house, but he will need to work on his consistency and be able to produce with an increased workload. He is an immediate option as a flex play and once he proves he’s ready he could definitely be a top-20 back the rest of the season.

Next: A WR connecting with his new QB

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