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RB Austin Ekeler, WAS (3 Viewers)

Austin Ekeler rushed 13 times for 60 yards in the Chargers' Week 15 overtime win over the Raiders, adding four receptions for 19 additional yards. 

FOX's Jay Glazer reported before the game that Ekeler might be on "somewhat of a pitch count." That wasn't necessarily borne out in the touch totals, but playing through a quad issue, Ekeler did not look anywhere close to 100 percent healthy on the short week. Kalen Ballage was the Bolts' main man near the goal line, getting their only running back score. If there's good news, it's that Ekeler has 10 days to heal up for Week 16 against the Broncos if you can survive this underwhelming spot in the fantasy semifinals. Denver is middle of the road in terms of running back production surrendered.   

Dec 18, 2020, 12:11 AM ET
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Austin Ekeler rushed seven times for 18 yards in the Chargers' Week 17 win over the Chiefs, adding six receptions for 33 additional yards and a touchdown. 

Ekeler finishes with 933 yards from scrimmage across 10 games, averaging 93 after that number was 97 in 2019. Injury played a huge part, as Ekeler was noticeably slowed by his balky leg down the stretch. Still only 25 years old, Ekeler kept his rushing efficiency up this season (4.56 YPC) while displaying the expected passing chemistry with Justin Herbert (5.4 catches per contest). With his touchdowns guaranteed to regress back to the mean after scoring three two this year, Ekeler will remain a cinch RB1 in PPR formats for 2021. 

- Rotoworld
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Chargers OC Joe Lombardi compared Austin Ekeler to Alvin Kamara, Reggie Bush, and Darren Sproles.

Lombardi's background is with the Saints, who have utilized their running backs in the pass game better than any team in the modern era. Ekeler's abilities should be maximized under Lombardi who helped turn Sproles, Bush, and Kamara into PPR cheat codes. Lombardi also mentioned using an uptempo offense and being aggressive on fourth downs, so it's possible that the Chargers take a leap in 2021. They certainly have the talent on both sides of the ball to do so. Ekeler belongs in the top-six mix in PPR formats.

SOURCE: Chargers on Twitter

Jan 26, 2021, 7:05 PM ET
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Shaq90 said:
Really? I don't keep tabs as well as when I was younger, but dude is still playing for his first big contract, yeah?
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I think he's a sell because the position is running back and I don't see him as a great "runner".  Yes, he's good as a receiver, but I don't see him as a RB.  I will always look at him as someone that can be replaced.

 
JohnnyU said:
I think he's a sell because the position is running back and I don't see him as a great "runner".  Yes, he's good as a receiver, but I don't see him as a RB.  I will always look at him as someone that can be replaced.
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He's a great receiver, but he's also a better runner than people give him credit for.

 
Shaq90 said:
Really? I don't keep tabs as well as when I was younger, but dude is still playing for his first big contract, yeah?
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from last March:

Chargers re-signed RB Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract.

Ekeler was scheduled for restricted free agency. The deal contains $15 million guaranteed and makes Ekeler the clear No. 1 RB for the Chargers. The Melvin Gordon era is over. Ekeler has averaged a robust 4.8 yards per carry during his three seasons with the Chargers, but his pass-game ability has been the true game-changer. Overall, Ekeler caught 92-of-108 targets for 993 yards and eight scores in 2019, averaging an elite 9.2 yards per target. He's one of the league's premier backs in all areas of the game and should be an early-round pick next August. Ekeler is just 24 years old and is now signed through 2023.
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JohnnyU said:
I think he's a sell because the position is running back and I don't see him as a great "runner".  Yes, he's good as a receiver, but I don't see him as a RB.  I will always look at him as someone that can be replaced.
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2018-2020

Austin Ekeler  40g - 354att /1641yd /7td  /4.6ypc    185rec/ 1800yds/ 13td/ 9.7ypr

Alvin Kamara  44g - 552att /2612yd /35td /4.7ypc   245rec/ 1998yds/ 10td/ 8.2ypr

Clearly there's a disparity in usage due to scheme (especially TD rate while Gordon was primary goal-line back), but the running stats look almost identical... and there's a clear leader in receiving stats after accounting for volume. Ekeler's new OC is the same guy responsible for Kamara's usage in this span.

That doesn't really seem like replacement level to me... even if you ignore Ekeler's elite receiving traits (but why would you?).

 
Dr. Octopus said:
I think he sees volume. 
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Sure he will. What is the alternative? The other RBs are Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley, and Larry Rountree. 

Ekeler was RB #13 in ppg last season (PPR); #6 in 2019, and #25 in 2018, despite the fact that Gordon was also #5 that season.

Last season, though he was RB #13 in overall ppg, he was RB #7 in total points (PPR) in weeks 1-3, then got hurt in week 4 and didn't play again in week 12. He was RB #6 in total points in weeks 12-17. So in the 9 healthy games he had last season, we was RB #6/7, showing he was able to maintain his 2019 performance.

He just turned 26 and is in the midst of his prime. He is in incredible shape, and possibly the strongest player in the NFL, pound for pound.

Now he gets a new coaching staff with influences from Sean Payton, Sean McVay, and Kyle Shanahan, who have all had offenses great for RB fantasy production.

What's not to like?

 
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Adso said:
That doesn't really seem like replacement level to me... even if you ignore Ekeler's elite receiving traits (but why would you?).
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Perhaps not right now, but if another RB comes in and is a true RB, I can see Ekeler's extensive use in jeopardy, even though he should maintain PPR value.

 
Chargers fans and fantasy owners know how good he is. Everyone else doesn't think much of him. He's always ranked 15-25 before the season and finishes top ten PPG. Similar to Chris Carson. Players who aren't drafted high generally don't interest people enough to determine how good they really are.  

 
JohnnyU said:
Perhaps not right now, but if another RB comes in and is a true RB, I can see Ekeler's extensive use in jeopardy, even though he should maintain PPR value.
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Why would you think any other RB would be coming in? There is no indication of that. The team drafted a RB in 3 of the past 4 drafts (2018 - Jackson, 2020 - Kelley, 2021 - Rountree), and all three of them are set to make the final roster barring injuries.

Ekeler's RB1 status and role in the Chargers offense is not in jeopardy. 

 
In PPR, what would be considered a reach for Ekeler?   

I realize it's all subjective and a matter of opinion, but Is he worth contemplating over the likes of Taylor, Barkley, Chubb, Jones or Zeke?  

 
xenon said:
In PPR, what would be considered a reach for Ekeler?   

I realize it's all subjective and a matter of opinion, but Is he worth contemplating over the likes of Taylor, Barkley, Chubb, Jones or Zeke?  
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In a full point PPR, I personally would take Ekeler over all of them. Of course if Saquon is healthy then he goes before him. In a 0.5 PPR, then Chubb and Zeke are certainly in the discussion. 

 
Keith1 said:
In a full point PPR, I personally would take Ekeler over all of them. Of course if Saquon is healthy then he goes before him. In a 0.5 PPR, then Chubb and Zeke are certainly in the discussion. 
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It is a full PPR and I'm sitting at the 6 spot (12 team) and am seriously contemplating taking him there...assuming the obvious are gone before him McCaffery, Cook, Henry, Kamara and one of the others listed.  Also contemplating Kelce there...Not loving the 6 spot this year.  If somehow Kamara falls, I'll snag him....

 
xenon said:
In PPR, what would be considered a reach for Ekeler?   

I realize it's all subjective and a matter of opinion, but Is he worth contemplating over the likes of Taylor, Barkley, Chubb, Jones or Zeke?  
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I like him more than all of those options sans Zeke and Jones.  

 
Curious on where you guys rank Ekeler in regards to this years batch of Rookies in a keeper/dynasty. So for the sake of argument. Pitts, Najee, Javonte, Chase, possibly Lawrence, Lance, Fields.  My league is a 16 team partial PPR with IDP. No contracts or anything. We can keep 6 on offense. 

 
eric rymer said:
Curious on where you guys rank Ekeler in regards to this years batch of Rookies in a keeper/dynasty. So for the sake of argument. Pitts, Najee, Javonte, Chase, possibly Lawrence, Lance, Fields.  My league is a 16 team partial PPR with IDP. No contracts or anything. We can keep 6 on offense. 
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Ekeler is going to come out of the gate on all cylinders.  If you are just looking at one season, all season, he is the winner.  

If you are talking long term keeper value than different argument.  Long term I don't think there is much to see there.  I think he will get hurt lots and will replaced sooner rather than later.  Najee, Lance, Fields all would above him in my books

 
Like don't love him... 

PRO: Produced 27PPG on 71% snap share with Gordon out in 2019. 

CON: Lombardi used a 3 back rotation last time he was calling plays. 

FantasyPoints has him ranked #36 (Tier 5)  on their Injury Volatility Tier System, dinging him a bit for age, concussion, and hamstrings.  That's something to factor in. 

I wouldn't mind him at the 1/2 turn but mid rounds I'm likely taking Gibson /Taylor / Jones / Barkley ahead of him in redraft. 

 
[icon] said:
CON: Lombardi used a 3 back rotation last time he was calling plays.
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To be clear, when was the last time Lombardi was calling plays, when he was the DET OC in 2014-2015?

2014 DET:

  • Joique Bell - 648 snaps
  • Reggie Bush - 297 snaps
  • Theo Riddick - 191 snaps
2015 DET:

  • Theo Riddick - 469 snaps
  • Ameer Abdullah (R) - 354 snaps
  • Joique Bell - 241 snaps
If this is what you were referencing, I would respectfully point out that none of those players were close to as talented as Ekeler. Maybe Bush was at one time, but 2014 DET had the 29 year old version.

I would also point out that the RBs behind Ekeler who might be part of a rotation are not impressive:

  • Justin Jackson is currently hurt and has proven throughout his career that he cannot stay healthy, playing a total of 448 snaps in 29 games in 3 seasons since he was drafted
  • Josh Kelley was a 4th round pick last season who averaged 3.2 ypc and 6.4 ypr as a rookie; he has not looked good in preseason (1.9 ypc and 3.0 ypr, albeit on small sample size and with poor blocking)
  • Rookie Larry Rountree was a 6th round pick this year; he has flashed in preseason, but it would be a surprise to see a 6th rounder emerge with a significant role unless Ekeler gets hurt
I do expect others to play, but I would be surprised if Ekeler is healthy and doesn't dominate the RB touches.

 
All of the Bolts RB's are small dudes....None of them look like their built for heavy 3 down loads every week... they all look like 3rd down specialist that will get stuffed at the goal line ... Melvin Gordon was a monster compared to Ekeler in terms of size 

 
Great conversation/ points above. 

I'm a big fan of Ekeler myself and his value is obviously increased for PPR. 

I'm personally debating whether to keep him in my league for a 4th round pick vs. Chubb for a 1st round pick. 

After the "Big 4" RB's come off the board (likely 1-4), where does Ekeler fit vs. the other top RB's in PPR (Chubb, A. Jones, Zeke, Taylor, Mixon, Barkley)?

 
[icon] said:
Like don't love him... 

PRO: Produced 27PPG on 71% snap share with Gordon out in 2019. 

CON: Lombardi used a 3 back rotation last time he was calling plays. 

FantasyPoints has him ranked #36 (Tier 5)  on their Injury Volatility Tier System, dinging him a bit for age, concussion, and hamstrings.  That's something to factor in. 

I wouldn't mind him at the 1/2 turn but mid rounds I'm likely taking Gibson /Taylor / Jones / Barkley ahead of him in redraft. 
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Im similar to this...and noting my 3 leagues are non-ppr.

I just don't have a great feel for him overall.  Definitely have those 4 you mentioned above him in redraft...Actually hoping I fall towards the bottom half of my drafts to double up on them or one of them and Kelce if my league passes on TE that early and I have the nerve to pull that trigger...which IMO...end of the 1st I have that nerve easy.

 
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4th&inches said:
Great conversation/ points above. 

I'm a big fan of Ekeler myself and his value is obviously increased for PPR. 

I'm personally debating whether to keep him in my league for a 4th round pick vs. Chubb for a 1st round pick. 

After the "Big 4" RB's come off the board (likely 1-4), where does Ekeler fit vs. the other top RB's in PPR (Chubb, A. Jones, Zeke, Taylor, Mixon, Barkley)?
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He's been going late 1st early 2nd in ppr redrafts. He's right in the middle of those backs.

 
 I'm super high on Ekeler this season, and drafting "late" 1st round/early 2nd, he is one of a few that are going to be right in my wheelhouse.

I posted the below in the Chargers thread. (but apparently the Charger homers are in hiding)

 Repost below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

OK Charger homers, and people that follow the team closely.

 I'm all over AUSTIN EKELER  this year in re-drafts.  The question is, in the real high powered offenses, I tend to handcuff the running backs where appropriate.

 I have not seen any Charger games this preseason so I am just guessing, but the cuff to own here is either Josh Kelley or Justin Jackson.

I'm leaning Kelley from what I've seen and read.

Anyone got any insight????

 TZM

 
Payne said:
Based on his ADP, he is my prime bust candidate. Being way too hyped right now. 
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Why too high? He had 900 total yards last year and 3 TDs in 9 games. The oline got better, and the coach is expected to use him like Kamara. No competition, except for short yardage. Do you think Herbert and the offense will  regress?

 
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Refresher on Ekeler's PPR performance in recent seasons:

  • 2020

    Ignoring week 4 when he played just 3 snaps, he averaged 18.1 ppg in PPR, which ranked #7 among all RBs
  • He was RB7 in total points and RB9 in ppg in weeks 1-3, before his injury
  • He was RB6 in total points and RB11 in ppg in weeks 12-17, after he returned from injury

[*]2019

  • First season not sharing with Gordon
  • RB4 in total points; RB6 in ppg
  • RB2 in total points and ppg in weeks 1-4 while RB Gordon held out

[*]2018

  • RB25 in total points and ppg, despite the fact that RB Gordon was RB8 in total points and RB5 in ppg

[*]2017

  • As a rookie, Ekeler earned a role by week 7; he only had 31 snaps in the first 6 weeks but then had 10 or more snaps in every game from week 7 to week 15 before missing weeks 16-17; for weeks 7-15, he was RB27 in total points and RB31 in ppg, despite the fact that RB Gordon was RB9 in total points and RB10 in ppg over the same span

That is a strong track record.

Also:

  • As pointed out above, there is reason to believe the OL will be significantly improved this season

    PFF graded the Chargers 2020 run blocking as #32 in the league - dead last - and its 2019 run blocking as tied for #27-28
  • Now they have 4 new starters, including All Pro C Linsley and first round LT Slater, plus solid veteran guards Feiler and Aboushi

[*]Now he is the primary RB in an offense influenced by Sean Payton (OC Joe Lombardi), Sean McVay (HC Brandon Staley), and Kyle Shanahan (passing game coordinator Shane Day); those influences are all strong offenses for RBs in both running and passing games

[*]The other Chargers RBs do not look like strong competition for touches

[*]It is reasonable to think QB Herbert could be improved in his second season, which could benefit Ekeler

His recent PPR ADP is between RB7 and RB10 across various sources. IMO this seems reasonable, and getting him as RB10 would be a great value.

 
TZMarkie said:
I'm leaning Kelley from what I've seen and read.

Anyone got any insight????

 TZM
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Kelley looked pretty solid the last preseason game: 

i keep seeing that Rountree’s good showing has made Jackson a possible cut. Dude can’t get healthy & the rookie has shined. 

I’d say it’s pretty clear Kelley is the RB2 there, which should be a smart play for anyone looking for a “next man up” who also likely has stand-alone value. Eke will rotate with other backs. I agree that as long as he’s healthy he’ll get the lion’s share of touches. 

 
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