Austin Ekeler continues to put up numbers hardly representative of an elite-level running back. But are his pedestrian numbers enough for fantasy football managers to consider starting Joshua Kelley in Week 14? Let’s take a look at the fantasy outlook for each player heading into the Los Angeles Chargers‘ matchup against the Denver Broncos.
Should You Start Austin Ekeler in Fantasy This Week?
In his eight games since returning from an early-season ankle injury, Ekeler doesn’t even have a 70-yard rushing game, let alone a 100-yard game. He’s averaging less than three yards per carry over those eight games, and his most yards in a game over that span came as a receiver, as he had 94 receiving yards back in Week 8 vs. the Chicago Bears.
So, is it finally time for fantasy football managers to put him to the sideline and give another Chargers’ running back a shot?
Um, no.
There certainly is reason to be concerned when it comes to the seven-year vet. After back-to-back 900-yard rushing seasons, Ekeler doesn’t appear to be on his way to a third such season.
Last week may have been his low point of the season. Facing the New England Patriots, Ekeler carried the ball 14 times for only 18 yards and added just two receptions for nine yards. His 27 yards from scrimmage were easily his fewest in a game this season.
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But there is hope for Ekeler fans and managers — it comes in the form of the Broncos, possessors of the league’s worst rush defense. While Denver has done a better job defending the run lately — holding the Texans to 89 rush yards last week — they’re still allowing nearly 150 rushing yards a game for the season (149.7).
If there was an opportunity for Ekeler to get back on track, this would be the time.
Should You Start Joshua Kelley in Fantasy This Week?
Kelley’s best games came over the first two months of the season. But over his last six games, he hasn’t seen much time on the field.
Kelley has carried the ball 29 times total over his last six games, for just 92 yards.
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Since it’s clear that as long as he’s healthy, the Chargers are going to give Ekeler most of the work, there’s no real reason to consider Kelley to start, no matter how disappointing Ekeler’s numbers may turn out to be.
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Ekeler is the player to start. His projected 18.3 points include 37 rushing yards, six receptions, and 40 receiving yards. His projected stat line easily outperforms the consensus projection of Kelley (5.7 points).
My ranking for these Chargers running backs aligns with the consensus. While Ekeler hasn’t put up the numbers we’re used to seeing, his numbers still make him the right choice for fantasy managers. Hopefully, starting your studs rewards your loyalty.
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