Gus Edwards found a new home out west with The Los Angeles Chargers this offseason. Signing a two-year 6.5 million dollar contract. This move will reunite Edwards with his former offensive coordinator, Greg Roman. Entering his sixth season in the league, the undrafted running back from Rutgers has totaled 699 carriers, 3,395 yards, and 26 touchdowns on 4.9 yards per carry. He has also added 30 receptions for 374 yards.
2023 Fantasy finish
In 2023, Gus Edwards finished the season as the running back 25 (Sleeper). That put him 11 spots above his projected finish of running back 36. He averaged 11 fantasy points per game. Having scored 13 touchdowns helped his fantasy value tremendously. With J.K. Dobbins missing 16 out of 17 games last season. Edwards was able to capitalize on his opportunities.
He had the 10th most red zone touches among all running backs with 39, according to Fantasy Pros. All 13 of his touchdowns came inside the red zone, which bodes well for his fantasy upside. As reliable as they come in the red zone, Edwards has one glaring weakness… his lack of receptions through his first five seasons. In five seasons, Gus Edwards has 30 receptions on 37 targets for 374 yards and zero touchdowns.
2024 projections
As it sits currently, Gus Edwards is the 36th-ranked running back on Sleeper with an ADP of 113. While on Yahoo fantasy he is the 35th-ranked running back with an ADP of 100. Gus Edwards may have more value in standard formats where points per reception are not tracked in the total fantasy points. With that being said, he has shown the ability to be a top-25 finisher in PPR formats.
Familiar faces
With Greg Roman as Offensive coordinator, the Chargers should become a more run-first offense, which bodes well for Edwards and finding a path to fantasy success. Though having switched teams this offseason, Edwards finds himself in a backfield once again with J.K. Dobbins. If Dobbins can stay healthy this backfield may turn into a 50/50 split.
New Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh’s teams have been known to run the football often. Expect Harbaugh to lean on the run while Justin Herbert, Ladd McConkey, and Quentin Johnston try to find their rhythm.
Final thoughts
Gus Edwards is going to have his fair share of touches. Is he going to be able to punch in 13 touchdowns inside the red zone this season to mimic his ‘23 season? Who knows? One thing is for certain: with Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh, expect the Chargers to try to establish the run game early and often.
If you get the point in your draft and Gus Edwards is available, he may be a worthy flex pick in a two-running back and 1 flex league. In closing, if you’ve faded running back to this point and Edwards ends up being your running back two, you may have some issues to work out in the season with trades or waiver wire claims.
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