Austin Ekeler Fantasy Outlook: Should you draft Commanders RB in 2024? 

Austin Ekeler was once upon a time hailed as one of the future great dual-threat running backs. In his seven seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, he had over 1,000 yards from scrimmage five times and double-digit total touchdowns thrice and made the playoffs twice, being a key contributor in 2022.

But a regime change and uncertain contract situation led him to leave for Landover, Maryland to join the Washington Commanders, who are looking to make their first playoffs under the Josh Harris era. Should fantasy footballers have faith in that goal, however?

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Should you draft Austin Ekeler in 2024?

Washington Commanders v Miami Dolphins (Image Source: Getty)

Within the Commanders, Ekeler is expected to be a gadget player. Brian Robinson Jr. is expected to have most of the carries, given his bruising 6-foot-1, 228-lb frame. But in change-of-pace situations, Ekeler may be deployed as a scat back.

He may also see time as a slot receiver, and this is not as far-fetched as it seems given the surprising departure of Jahan Dotson just days before the preseason. That makes him a multi-tool option for more adventurous fantasy footballers.

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Austin Ekeler 2024 fantasy outlook, ADP and 2023 stats

Here are Austin Ekeler's 2023 stats in 14 starts:

• 179 rushes
• 628 rushing yards
• Five touchdowns
• 51 receptions
• 436 receiving yards
• One receiving touchdown

Those put him at No. 78 ECR against a No. 53 ADP. Heading into the 2024 season, he sits at a projected No. 94 overall and No. 32 positionally.

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Is Austin Ekeler a good fantasy football pick in 2024?

The Commanders are in a unique position. Before recent events, they were projected to be a dark horse for a playoff spot in 2024. And they may still be now, but it is less certain.

Individually, Ekeler is in the same position. Working behind a rejigged offensive line that features Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti, he should be expected to bounce back after a down 2023. But with Jahan Dotson gone and CeeDee Lamb reaffirming his status as a Dallas Cowboy, that may leave some fantasy footballers to reconsider their plans to bet on him.

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Where should you draft Austin Ekeler in 2024?

Austin Ekeler's draft projection compared to other similarly-positioned running backs

Sitting on either side of Austin Ekeler are Tennessee Titans' Tony Pollard and Arizona Cardinals' rookie Trey Benson. Sportskeeda's fantasy tool suggests avoiding him, but there are some extenuating circumstances.

Pollard is expected to be a starter in Nashville after hitting 1,000 rushing yards in his final two seasons with the Cowboys. Ekeler, meanwhile, will have to compete with Brian Robinson Jr. for carries. That means he could be in the No. 30s in his position and No. 100s overall.