Fantasy Football

Austin Ekeler

RB - WAS

Height: 5-10

Weight: 200 lbs

Age: 29

College: Western State

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2024 Season Outlooks

For the first time in his career, Ekeler will play on a new team in a new offense with a dual-threat quarterback. And after the 29-year-old saw all of his statistical metrics drop last season, it's natural to be cautious. Last season Ekeler never really looked like himself, especially after suffering a high-ankle sprain in September. The Commanders obviously see some good in him, but they also have Brian Robinson as a running-downs back as well as rookie dual-threat QB in 2023 Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Both figure to keep a cap on Ekeler's workload from week to week, including his target volume (he was at 5.3 per game last year, a five-year low). Draft Ekeler accordingly -- Round 7 in PPR is a reasonable time to grab him, though we'd wait at least one round in non-PPR formats.

Ekeler signed with the Commanders after a thoroughly disappointing final season with the Chargers. He scored 38 touchdowns during the 2021 and 2022 seasons, which earned him much fantasy love and the top running back spot in many fantasy leagues, but his 2023 was a struggle. Ekeler suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 1 (while scoring 26.4 PPR points!), missed three games and never really returned to prominence, seeing sketchy volume among his inefficiency. He recorded five top-10 weekly finishes at RB in 14 games. Ekeler will not cost a first-round pick this season, not in Washington's moribund offense, but if health and volume return, there is enticing bounce-back possibility as a TD-driven, RB2 choice.