Austin Ekeler was treated as fantasy football royalty this summer, but he has been sinking your roster recently with disappointing performances. Should we trust the big picture when it comes to the Los Angeles Chargers star running back, or is this inept offense simply too much for him to overcome?
Should You Start Austin Ekeler in Week 16?
The game script certainly played into Ekeler only touching the ball nine times in Week 15, but why wouldn’t we have those concerns in this spot?
Ekeler doesn’t have more than 10 carries in any of Los Angeles’ past four losses (outside of the top 30 at the position in fantasy points in each of those games per the Week 16 Cheat Sheet), and as a big underdog this week, a projection in that range makes sense.
I’m less worried about the carry count and more worried about the lack of splash plays. It’s been over a month since he had a touch gain of 20 yards or more. Scoring opportunities are going to be limited in this offense sans Justin Herbert.
It’s fair to downgrade Ekeler and be disappointed at his recent output. That said, benching him is a bit more aggressive than I’m willing to be.
In Week 14, Ekeler was given 73.9% of the Chargers’ running back opportunities (targets and rushes). Assuming this game is more competitive than the historic Week 15 blowout, Ekeler’s role is simply something I can’t outright bench in most situations.
Trending Start/Sit Searches for Ekeler
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Should You Start Ekeler or David Montgomery?
Jahmyr Gibbs is playing ahead of David Montgomery, and yet, I’d still play Montgomery over Ekeler. Detroit’s bruiser has scored 10 times this season, and given Ekeler’s lack of efficiency these days, a touchdown alone might be enough to make Montgomery the right play.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Playoff Predictor
While the volume isn’t elite for Montgomery, his having 15+ carries in three of his past four games creates enough stability to sell me on him over Ekeler in your semifinals.
Should You Start Ekeler or James Conner?
James Conner may not be the most exciting back, but I trust his offense more. Additionally, with 42 touches over his past two weeks, Conner’s usage is enough to plug him in over your first-round pick from drafts this summer.
The Chicago Bears’ run defense is stout, but with 13 targets over his past four games, Conner’s path to production in the passing game is enough for me to go that direction over Ekeler and his fading role in what might be the worst offense in the league.
Kyle Yates’ Week 16 RB Rankings
1) Christian McCaffrey | SF (vs. BAL)
2) Kyren Williams | LAR (vs. NO)
3) Alvin Kamara | NO (at LAR)
4) James Cook | BUF (at LAC)
5) Rachaad White | TB (vs. JAX)
6) Raheem Mostert | MIA (vs. DAL)
7) Jahmyr Gibbs | DET (at MIN)
8) Bijan Robinson | ATL (vs. IND)
9) Tony Pollard | DAL (at MIA)
10) Travis Etienne Jr. | JAX (at TB)
11) Derrick Henry | TEN (vs. SEA)
12) Joe Mixon | CIN (at PIT)
13) Jonathan Taylor | IND (at ATL)
14) Isiah Pacheco | KC (vs. LV)
15) Breece Hall | NYJ (vs. WAS)
16) Aaron Jones | GB (at CAR)
17) Ezekiel Elliott | NE (at DEN)
18) Saquon Barkley | NYG (at PHI)
19) D’Andre Swift | PHI (vs. NYG)
20) De’Von Achane | MIA (vs. DAL)
21) Kenneth Walker III | SEA (at TEN)
22) Josh Jacobs | LV (at KC)
23) Chuba Hubbard | CAR (vs. GB)
24) Ty Chandler | MIN (vs. DET)
25) David Montgomery | DET (at MIN)
26) James Conner | ARI (at CHI)
27) Austin Ekeler | LAC (vs. BUF)
28) Devin Singletary | HOU (vs. CLE)
29) Javonte Williams | DEN (vs. NE)
30) Jaylen Warren | PIT (vs. CIN)
31) Jerome Ford | CLE (at HOU)
32) Najee Harris | PIT (vs. CIN)
33) Gus Edwards | BAL (at SF)
34) Tyjae Spears | TEN (vs. SEA)
35) D’Onta Foreman | CHI (vs. ARI)
36) Antonio Gibson | WAS (at NYJ)
37) Chase Brown | CIN (at PIT)
38) Jerick McKinnon | KC (vs. LV)
39) Tyler Allgeier | ATL (vs. IND)
40) Roschon Johnson | CHI (vs. ARI)
41) Zach Charbonnet | SEA (at TEN)
42) Kareem Hunt | CLE (at HOU)
43) Justice Hill | BAL (at SF)
44) Rico Dowdle | DAL (at MIA)
45) Zamir White | LV (at KC)
46) Kenneth Gainwell | PHI (vs. NYG)
47) Khalil Herbert | CHI (vs. ARI)
48) Samaje Perine | DEN (vs. NE)
49) Jamaal Williams | NO (at LAR)
50) Chris Rodriguez Jr. | WAS (at NYJ)
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