Another running back whose value is tied to his newfound opportunity is Donald Brown. Brown will step in for injured rookie disappointment Melvin Gordon against an Oakland Raiders rush defense that has been fairly generous to opposing running games this year -- ranking 23rd in terms of our Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP metric.

The veteran running back stepped in last week and totaled 90 rushing yards on only 12 carries. Though he will cede passing game work to Danny Woodhead, Brown is a capable pass-catcher if called upon (he collected three targets in limited work last week).

San Diego is a road underdog, which should temper your expectations a bit, but Brown still deserves consideration as a low-end RB2 or flex play.