RB Joshua Kelley, LAC (7 Viewers)

[pinkstapler]

He was in an almost 50/50 timeshare with Ekeler in a very close game, not just in snaps, but actual rushing attempts as well. While I wouldn't expect a 50/50 timeshare all the time, it feels pretty clear they trust him and plan on using him a lot. Not sure what people's league settings are, but he could be the best RB you get on waivers all season long. Not understanding people who are underselling this usage. The Ekeler ankle issue doesn't even have to come into play to suggest you spend a sizable chunk of FAAB on this guy. I'd rather roster him than most of the RBs drafted in the last 5 rounds of your standard draft.

I just picked him up this AM for free. Hard to believe no-one bid on him. There is definite potential here even without an Ekeler injury.

Yup. Honestly I don't even really know what's considered a standard sized bench anymore, but if it's even just 7 and with 9 starters, can't believe he's not desirable over the bench usual suspects like CEH, Moss, Hubbard, Vaughn, Chandler, Brown, Foreman, etc etc.

 

[MTskibum]

I picked him up in 1 league, however he is facing the Titans this week and the Titans have been top 3 against the RB the last few years and week 1 they looked like they are going to be top 3 again this year.

Even if Ekeler misses this week with a high ankle sprain I will leave Kelley on the bench.

 

[TommyKramer9]

He was my top choice this week over Nacua and Williams. Nacua looked great, but I’m not convinced how great he will be all season long. I think Kelley has a cemented role in this backfield and is a season long RB3 at worst. If something should happen to Ekeler he immediately becomes an RB1

 

[jobarules]

I have a feeling people are going to spend too much on Kelley for waivers. Exeler may be hurt, but how bad really?

I saw speculation of a high ankle sprain. Not sure how true

 

[Chaka]

It's interesting that the division of labor was pretty much an even split from the first drive.

Ekeler is clearly the preferred option in two minute offense and passing downs. But Kelley got lots of meaningful PT in a close game

 

[Faust]

Mojo Fantasy
Per Chargers head coach Brandon Staley, RB Austin Ekeler is dealing with an ankle injury coming out of Week 1 and his status for Week 2 is currently “uncertain” (via @AdamSchefter)

Joshua Kelley had 16 carries for 91 yards and a touchdown on 48% of the snaps in Week 1 vs. Miami

https://twitter.com/mojo/status/1701366377695629461?s=21

Adam Koffler
At WORST, Austin Ekeler misses 3 games before the Chargers’ Week 5 Bye

Three “relatively” tough matchups on the ground for Joshua Kelley in TEN, MIN, and LV, but this Chargers offense should hum regardless

Kelley would become a must-start option if Ekeler were to miss time

https://twitter.com/adamkoffler/status/1701367789024379035?s=21

 

[DeaLerZ]

Austin Ekeler (ankle, personal) not present ast Wednesday's practice.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler was already headed towards this week's injury report with an ankle issue. Now he's also personally dealing with the death of his agent Cameron Weiss. Look for an update on Ekeler's status Thursday

 

[Faust]

Matt Harmon

On today's pod @austinekeler and I discussed why Joshua Kelley should be 100% rostered in fantasy. Backup RB with contingent value but may have some standalone value too.

https://twitter.com/mattharmon_byb/status/1702063849602506826?s=21

 

[FGITLOTR]

Kelley pops off the screen this year and def has stand alone value—league winning potential if Ekeler goes down. Either way, he’s a comfy hold and someone that once again has decent dynasty value.

 

[Insein]

Ekeler officially doubtful for Sunday.

Fire up your Josh Kelleys

 

[jobarules]

Where are we ranking this guy this week? I got him in as my FLEX over Gabe Davis which seems like no brainer

 

[Gottabesweet]

Hopefully can offer to Ekeler owner. Short bench grabbed him

 

[bcat01]

Probably flexing him over Godwin.

 

[Gottabesweet]

Deciding between Kelley vs Pierce at RB and Probably starting Kirk at Flex though

 

[RenegadeRoy]

If Ekeler truly sits, I'm flexing Kelley over K Herbert.

 

[need2know]

Is he an auto start? It's either him or allgiere from me

 

[Judge Smails]

It's really a bad matchup. I might start him over options like Gus Edwards, Mostert and Chuba Hubbard but all 3 might outscore him. I'm going against Herbert and Mike Williams and I expect a ton of passing with just a few runs sprinkled in to keep them honest. Hoping for PI in the end zone and some 1 yard plunges

 

[styleride85]

If Ekeler truly sits, I'm flexing Kelley over K Herbert.

easily

 

[TommyKramer9]

I'm still starting James Cook over him

 

[SoBeDad]

Will Spiller or Dotson be #2. Or does it matter?

 

[RenegadeRoy]

I'm still starting James Cook over him

100% I've got Cook as RB2, Kelley as flex.

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Tossing around starting him over KW3 or Aiyuk but struggling with it. Tenn run D is apparently no joke.

 

[jm192]

Where are we ranking this guy this week? I got him in as my FLEX over Gabe Davis which seems like no brainer

Also starting him over Gabe Davis.

 

[Scooby1974]

Tossing around starting him over KW3 or Aiyuk but struggling with it. Tenn run D is apparently no joke.

KW3 maybe, but I wouldn't go over Aiyuk myself.

 

[Ridgeback]

Hmm, Gibson or Kelly?

 

[Loipz]

Hmm, Gibson or Kelly?

Kelley, Gibson is almost droppable at this point.

 

[Dez]

Just remember Tennessee has one of the best run defenses out there and shut Jamaal Williams down forcing NO to pass. This is not a great spot for Kelley's 1st start. How many times does a guy blow up get plucked off waiver wire and started only to disappoint. I am thinking this might be the case. I have to start him in 1 league I am torn up at RB where I got him off waivers but am praying for a short yardage TD to save the day as I do not expect a lot of yardage.

 

[jobarules]

Just remember Tennessee has one of the best run defenses out there and shut Jamaal Williams down forcing NO to pass. This is not a great spot for Kelley's 1st start. How many times does a guy blow up get plucked off waiver wire and started only to disappoint. I am thinking this might be the case. I have to start him in 1 league I am torn up at RB where I got him off waivers but am praying for a short yardage TD to save the day as I do not expect a lot of yardage.

Who cares if they shut jamaal Williams down? He's nothing special

 

[Tanner9919]

Just remember Tennessee has one of the best run defenses out there and shut Jamaal Williams down forcing NO to pass. This is not a great spot for Kelley's 1st start. How many times does a guy blow up get plucked off waiver wire and started only to disappoint. I am thinking this might be the case. I have to start him in 1 league I am torn up at RB where I got him off waivers but am praying for a short yardage TD to save the day as I do not expect a lot of yardage.

conversely, how many times are we told a defense is lights out against the run or pass, only to be blown away by an opposing RB or WR?!?! happens all the time. oh so-n-so's defense is really good v run! great, I'm starting a RB against that unmovable wall of a defense. it almost ALWAYS happens the reverse of what you think.
no defense is todays football is the 86 giants, 84 niners, 2000 ravens, or the legion of boom. i'm pretty sure that new orleans stinkin run game had a lot to do with how 'good' the titans looked against the run. they're not unbeatable world killers like Giants 86 defense was. heck they're not even the best run game in today's nfl. what's the problem here, why are we so quick to overrate this defense?>!?> this team has a dopey head coach, incompetent QB who is a turnover machine, and a bottom feeder pass defense.
I dont see how this defense is remotely slows down the chargers offense

 

[fatness]

Ekeler doubtful for Sunday.

While Bosa’s status is up in the air, Ekeler is likely going to be a scratch on Sunday. He is listed as doubtful after missing a third straight practice with an ankle injury. Three linebackers join Ekeler in the doubtful group. Eric Kendricks (hamstring, personal), Daiyan Henley (hamstring), and Chris Rumph (hamstring) are all unlikely to play against Tennessee.

 

[DeaLerZ]

I like him this week as I think Herbert and the passing game opens up the running lanes

I have a tough decision to make…all good options though (Choose 2)

Joshua Kelley vs TN
DJ Moore vs TB (banged up secondary)
Zay Flowers vs Cin

.5 pt PPR, .25 for First downs

 

[SoBeDad]

I like him this week as I think Herbert and the passing game opens up the running lanes

I have a tough decision to make…all good options though (Choose 2)

Joshua Kelley vs TN
DJ Moore vs TB (banged up secondary)
Zay Flowers vs Cin

.5 pt PPR, .25 for First downs

Kelley is an easy decision as #1. Their oline is very good, best offense of the 3 choices, and the new o-coordinator likes balance on offense. Kelley looked good last week.

I'd go with Flowers over Moore. They used him on many designed plays to get the ball in his hands.

 

[sho nuff]

Is he an auto start? It's either him or allgiere from me

Contemplating the same two and B.Robinson Jr.

 

[need2know]

Is he an auto start? It's either him or allgiere from me

Contemplating the same two and B.Robinson Jr.

I'm going to start him.

 

[skinsrule05]

Is he an auto start? It's either him or allgiere from me

Contemplating the same two and B.Robinson Jr.

Out of those I would definitely go Kelley.

 

[Insein]

Starting Kelley over Zack Moss right now.

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Struggling with Kelley vs Jamaal Williams. Williams has by far the better matchup which is a bit of an equalizer.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Struggling with Kelley vs Jamaal Williams. Williams has by far the better matchup which is a bit of an equalizer.

Jamaal looks to have that backfield until Kendre and Kamara are back, I would go with the better matchup like you said.

 

[Insein]

Ekeler officially out

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703118029775601994?t=ez8nVBsqWpv5Up6zJh1hKA&s=19

 

[dipandglide]

I'm surprised AE is out. His ankle injury must be worse than was being led on.

Fire up Kelley!

 

[zoonation]

I’m having a hard time seeing rb2 production against Ten d.

 

[GPS]

Saw somewhere last week that the Titans D was #1 in the league last year against inside-the-tackles runs. And it appears they may have picked up where they left off going by week one.

 

[dschuler]

Ekeler officially out

https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1703118029775601994?t=ez8nVBsqWpv5Up6zJh1hKA&s=19

Ekeler told everyone to grab Kelley off the waiver wire. This isn’t a one week thing, I expect Kelley to have good flex value going forward in juicy matchups and RB1 when Ekeler is out. Ekeler compared him to having Nic Chubb and Kareem Hunt. Ekeler is getting older and makes sense they want to save some mileage on him.

 

[Insein]

Saw somewhere last week that the Titans D was #1 in the league last year against inside-the-tackles runs. And it appears they may have picked up where they left off going by week one.

Also have to consider New Orleans had no running game to speak of.

 

[GPS]

Saw somewhere last week that the Titans D was #1 in the league last year against inside-the-tackles runs. And it appears they may have picked up where they left off going by week one.

Also have to consider New Orleans had no running game to speak of.

Truth!

 

[Rubi]

Saw somewhere last week that the Titans D was #1 in the league last year against inside-the-tackles runs. And it appears they may have picked up where they left off going by week one.

Well I'm no coach,but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. Run outside,get the ball to your back on passes out in the flat,use that as part of your running game.
I watched 2 college games today where two different teams did just that and the color commentators said that's part of their run game because the teams they were playing were tough to run inside on.

 

[JohnnyU]

Saw somewhere last week that the Titans D was #1 in the league last year against inside-the-tackles runs. And it appears they may have picked up where they left off going by week one.

Well I'm no coach,but I did stay at a Holiday Inn last night. Run outside,get the ball to your back on passes out in the flat,use that as part of your running game.
I watched 2 college games today where two different teams did just that and the color commentators said that's part of their run game because the teams they were playing were tough to run inside on.

Holiday Inn Express

 

[Mojo56]

If Kelley is involved in the passing game as much as Eckeler then he'll be golden. That's the big question. I think he will be. I can see a good day even if the Chargers struggle running the ball. 10-15 carries for 40 yds, 5-6 receptions for 60 yards gives you a base of 15-16 pts in a PPR league. If he manages a TD (or 2!) then you're looking at a REALLY good day.

 

[dipandglide]

If Kelley is involved in the passing game as much as Eckeler then he'll be golden. That's the big question. I think he will be. I can see a good day even if the Chargers struggle running the ball. 10-15 carries for 40 yds, 5-6 receptions for 60 yards gives you a base of 15-16 pts in a PPR league. If he manages a TD (or 2!) then you're looking at a REALLY good day.

Who else would be in on passing downs? Spiller ain't filling that role.

I expect a similar output to last week for Kelley with Spiller mixing in on early downs.

 

[sho nuff]

Not sure i can trust him. He hasn’t exactly been great when Ekeler has missed before and that D is no joke.