As we inch toward the new season, the ever-changing NFL landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move. Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest dynasty value of Joshua Kelley.
Joshua Kelley’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
Since parting ways with Melvin Gordon III, the Chargers have been looking for their thunder to Austin Ekeler’s lightning. The first guy to try out for the job was Kelley, who Los Angeles selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Kelley failed to impress as a rookie, averaging 3.2 yards per carry and 5.8 ppg. So, the Chargers tried again with Larry Rountree III in the sixth round in 2021. That failed spectacularly. So, LA tried again with Isaiah Spiller in Round 4 of 2022. They also signed Sony Michel after he was unable to make the Dolphins’ roster.
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None of these players were able to beat out Kelley for the Chargers’ RB2 role. To be fair, that may be more of an indictment on the other guys than praise for Kelley himself. Nevertheless, he did play the best football of his career in 2022.
He only totaled 388 yards from scrimmage but upped his yards per carry to 4.2. While still nowhere near fantasy-relevant, Kelley did post a 16.2-point game in Week 5. At the very least, he did enough to draw praise from new offensive coordinator (and former Dallas Cowboys OC) Kellen Moore.
Joshua Kelley’s Fantasy Ranking
Entering the final year of his rookie contract, Kelley has all the incentive in the world to try and impress in 2023. But he’ll need to do more than he’s done to earn a second contract, likely from another team.
In dynasty leagues, NFL teams’ RB2s are typically rostered. For that reason alone, I wouldn’t fault someone for stashing Kelley. With that said, he’s done nothing through three years of his career to suggest he’ll ever be more than a speculative handcuff. You’d be rostering him with the hope that if Ekeler were to get hurt, Kelley would have value, which is no guarantee.
Ultimately, Kelley is not a must-roster player. We have him at RB73 (No. 219 overall) in our dynasty Superflex rankings. I would chase higher upside in dynasty startup drafts.