Fantasy Football 2018: Top 10 waiver wire Week 13 pickups

CANTON, OH - AUGUST 02: Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) on the field for pregame warmups prior to the National Football League preseason game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens on August 2, 2018, at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, OH. Baltimore defeated Chicago 17-16. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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CARSON, CA – NOVEMBER 25: Running back Justin Jackson #32 of the Los Angeles Chargers is tackled by defensive back Tre Boston #33 of the Arizona Cardinals in the third quarter at StubHub Center on November 25, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

Los Angeles Chargers RB Justin Jackson

Austin Ekeler is the ideal replacement for Melvin Gordon in fantasy football, seeing as how he’s been a consistent presence in the Los Angeles Chargers lineup with 70 yards from scrimmage per game, even with Gordon healthy across 10 appearances.

However, Ekeler probably isn’t available in some fantasy leagues, so owners in deeper leagues could look at Justin Jackson as a target. The Chargers backfield has been able to sustain production in deeper leagues between two targets, and the Chargers may be even more willing to send touches to the No. 2 back with Gordon out. In other words, Ekeler will command less touches as the lead back than Gordon did, leaving more potential carries for his backup.

The running back behind Ekeler is Justin Jackson, who was promoted from the practice squad in late September this year and only received his first meaningful action against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 12.

Admittedly, Jackson’s carries came in a blowout against a poor run defense, but it was still encouraging to see the seventh-round pick out of Northwestern scoop up 57 yards on just even carries. Jackson is worth a look in deeper leagues, especially since he could steal plenty of carries from Ekeler, given his strong workload in emergency action last week.

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