Stevie Johnson (WR, SD) - Waiver Wire Pickups

BALLER MOVE: Add in all formats

OWNED IN: 52% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: It's gotten ugly for the Chargers. A 2-7 record, a season-ending injury to standout wide receiver Keenan Allen, and seemingly endless debate about the team's future in San Diego.

But from a fantasy perspective, the Chargers have actually given us plenty. Philip Rivers is QB1 lock each week, Danny Woodhead has RB2 or better upside each week, Antonio Gates continues to defy Father Time and Allen, before the lacerated kidney, was on pace for a record-setting season. Now, it's Stevie Johnson's turn. With Allen on season-ending injured reserve and fellow wide receiver Malcom Floyd likely out for an extended period following a reported torn labrum suffered in Monday night's home loss to the Chicago Bears, Johnson moves forward as the top receiver for Rivers.

Johnson led the Chargers with seven receptions and tied for second in targets (10) Monday night. His 68 yards ranked third behind Woodhead and Gates. Second-year wideout Dontrelle Inman will likely get a long look as this disappointing season winds down, but Johnson, who had three straight 1,000-yard seasons with Buffalo from 2010-12, stands as San Diego's only proven receiver. After a Week 10 bye, the Chargers face the porous pass defenses of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jacksonville Jaguars, so Johnson will be in a spot to provide WR3 and Flex value immediately.