Austin Ekeler has been one of the most intriguing players in the NFL and in fantasy football throughout his entire career. While it is a good thing to be talked about and stay a target for fantasy owners, he isn’t always known for the best things. With his consistency becoming an issue, Ekeler is in a very different situation than he is used to.
Over the past few seasons, Ekeler has been an early fantasy draft target. His unique ability to dominate in the run game as well as the passing game has made him one of the most valuable players in fantasy. However, his production and overall value have fallen due to the down years and disappointing performances during his career. He will have a chance to bounce back with a new start with the Washington Commanders, but will he be able to get back to his old self in the new environment? Or are the days of seeing Austin Ekeler at the top of fantasy football over?
Austin Ekeler Fantasy Upside
On the upside, Austin Ekeler could surprise everyone and finish among the top fantasy players. In a fresh system that features multiple weapons and explosive possibilities, Ekeler has a good chance to find success. Though he will share snaps with On the upside, Austin Ekeler could surprise everyone and finish among the top fantasy players. In a fresh system that features multiple weapons and explosive possibilities, Ekeler has a good chance to find success.
Though he will share snaps with Brian Robinson Jr., Ekeler has the upside of a true RB1. With Robinson Jr. also on the team, the Commanders will likely target and utilize Ekeler in the passing game often. Serving as one of the top receivers for the Los Angeles Chargers during his tenure, the Commanders truly have one of the most dynamic players in the NFL.
Another upside is the quarterback situation. While there is also a downside to having a rookie quarterback, there are also advantages. Jayden Daniels was selected with the 2nd pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. He portrayed his talent at LSU by putting up monster performances winning the Heisman trophy. Though he is talented, he will have struggles that Ekeler will be there to help with. With the running back being the main safety blanket for a quarterback, don’t be surprised if Ekeler starts producing big numbers.
Austin Ekeler Fantasy Downside
On the downside, Austin Ekeler’s production could disappear. While they can be looked at as advantages, coming onto a new team with a rookie quarterback has its risks. With split snaps in a new environment and system, his production could fall drastically. There is no way of telling how he will fit until the season starts, but it does have an effect on where he will be drafted in fantasy rounds.
The upside of Ekeler in the past has been the low-risk, high-reward result he brings. With an entirely different set of circumstances this season though, he could fall into the mid to later rounds. It isn’t uncommon to see running backs’ draft stock and value take drastic hits over a short amount of time. Players like Todd Gurley, Alvin Kamara, and multiple others went from early targets to the middle of the pack. Though that does not mean Ekeler’s production will certainly take a hit, it is likely.
Depending on how your draft goes will depend on whether you want to take the risk on Ekeler or not. With the ceiling of a top-10 fantasy running back and the haunting possibility of a fantasy bust, he will be one of the most intriguing players to watch. Though he is unlikely to be selected early like he was in the past, drafting Ekeler whenever you can could be the turning point of your season, whether positively or negatively. The real question is, with a high-risk, higher-reward circumstance, how much of a risk are you willing to take on Austin Ekeler?
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