Always solid, but never spectacular, Gus Edwards was constantly there when the Baltimore Ravens needed him. Now, he sits atop the Los Angeles Chargers‘ depth chart at the RB position. Are fantasy football managers undervaluing Edwards’ potential in a run-friendly Jim Harbaugh offense?
Gus Edwards’ 2024 Fantasy Outlook
There are way too many older running backs in lead back roles in 2024. But if you asked me last year if Edwards would be among them, I would’ve said you’re crazy! Yet, here we are.
Technically, Edwards is coming off the best season of his career, averaging a career-high 11.0 fantasy points per game. However, it was largely predicated on volume. Edwards ran the ball 198 times for 810 yards, both career-highs, but his 4.1 yards per carry (ypc) marked the first year of his career below 5.0 ypc.
The biggest reason for Edwards cracking the top 36 running backs, though, was touchdowns. Before 2023, Edwards had 13 career touchdowns. In 2023 alone, Edwards scored 13 touchdowns. Other than that, Edwards was his usual “get what’s blocked” self.
The #Ravens go for it on fourth down and Gus Edwards rumbles it home❕ pic.twitter.com/VSrqB6wdmd
— Pro Football Network (@PFN365) December 26, 2023
Edwards doesn’t make defenders miss, as evidenced by his evaded-tackles-per-touch rate outside the top 50. His 2.95 yards created per touch were 45th in the league. It’s a bit hard to understand how Edwards even performed as well as he did, given the Ravens’ offensive line providing him with a mere 1.6 yards before contact.
With all of that said, the fact remains Edwards is a solid running back who won’t make mistakes. He’s not flashy. He’s not exciting. He just gets the job done. It’s entirely possible that’s exactly what the Chargers want.
It is quite ironic that, after years of searching (and failing) to find a viable complement to Austin Ekeler to take the load off of him, the Ravens signed the perfect guy after Ekeler left. Now, the Chargers very much need to add a back that works in the receiving game. Currently, that guy is not on the roster. In all likelihood, they will draft someone to play that role.
Regardless, no one drafting Edwards expects him to suddenly evolve into a prolific pass-catcher. Fantasy managers who draft Edwards are looking for carries and touchdowns. Fortunately, they just may have come to the right place.
Should You Draft Edwards in 2024 Best Ball Leagues?
For the duration of Justin Herbert’s tenure as the Chargers’ starting QB, they’ve been a pass-first offense. Last year, the Chargers ranked seventh with a 59% neutral game script pass rate. They also played at the fastest pace in the league. Things are likely to change under the new regime.
Harbaugh’s teams run the ball. According to NBC Sports’ Denny Carter, Harbaugh’s 49ers teams ranked 31st, 31st, 32nd, and 29th in pass attempts, respectively, from 2011-2014. His last two Michigan teams ranked 117th and 121st, respectively, out of 130 teams in pass rate.
Extra rushing volume isn’t always great for running backs. A carry just isn’t that valuable. But touchdowns are. And Harbaugh’s teams have been successful everywhere he’s coached.
KEEP READING: Best Ball Fantasy RB Rankings 2024
Currently, Edwards is not being valued as if he’s the primary runner and goal-line back on a good offense. Sure, the Chargers are severely lacking in the wide receiver department. But with a franchise QB, a quality offensive line, and a good defense, Harbaugh should have this team winning plenty of games.
Edwards may very well be in line for 250 carries and another double-digit touchdown season. Although he’s 29 years old, Edwards has very little tread on his tires for a player his age. As a result, I have every bit of confidence he can largely repeat his 2023 season. At a price below where he finished last year, Edwards is a worthwhile target late in Best Ball drafts.