Fantasy football: Dante Pettis & 4 waiver-wire pickups for Week 15

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Justin Jackson #32 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts after rushing for an 18 yard touchdown in the fourth quarter during the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

Running Back Justin Jackson, Los Angeles Chargers

Week 15 Matchup: Away @ Kansas City Chiefs (Thursday)

Injuries to Los Angeles Chargers running backs Melvin Gordon (knee) and Austin Ekeler (stinger) would normally be something to monitor heading into the weekend. Since L.A.’s Week 15 matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs is on Thursday Night Football, however, it wouldn’t be shocking to see the Chargers roll out rookie running back Justin Jackson on this short week.

Jackson wasn’t much of a factor in the Chargers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals last week, rushing seven times for a mere 12 times, while hauling in two catches for 23 yards. But if Gordon and Ekeler aren’t available, Jackson will certainly shoulder the bulk of the workload on the ground.

This is good, considering the Chiefs are averaging 5.1 yards per carry against — second worst in the NFL. On top of that, one might expect L.A. to execute some ground-game ball control to keep Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Co. off the field as much as possible.

Jackson is owned in 43.1 percent of ESPN leagues, and that number is likely to rise between now and Thursday’s game.

If he’s available and you need a fantasy football running back, pounce now.