Austin Ekeler

New Chargers OC Joe Lombardi compared RB Austin Ekeler to Alvin Kamara, Reggie Bush, and Darren Sproles.

Fantasy Impact

Lombardi comes from the Saints, who have historically gotten their running backs involved in the passing game better than almost any other team. The fact that he's comparing Ekeler to these players is a good sign for how he wants to utilize his versatile, new RB. With prized rookie Justin Herbert set to enter his second year as the starter, it's looking as if the sky is the limit for this Chargers offense. Ekeler is currently priced as RB10 in the very early 0.5 PPR rankings.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler had a receiving touchdown along with six receptions for 33 yards and added seven rushes for 18 yards in the Chargers' 38-21 win over the Chiefs.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler didn't find success on the ground but was productive in the passing game, seeing a team-high seven targets. He scored in two straight games, but it's been a rough season for fantasy managers. He didn't live up to his late first, second-round price tag - primarily due to injury. The good news is, he'll be healthy next year and has a great QB heading into next season. He'll be a bounce-back candidate after amassing 530 rushing yards and one touchdown with 54 receptions for 403 receiving yards in his fourth season.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler rushed for 45 yards on 10 carries and added three receptions for 23 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers' 19-16 win over the Broncos.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler caught a nine-yard pass from Justin Herbert to score the only touchdown of the day for the Chargers in Sunday's win. Ekeler handled the most carries for the Chargers and will be the lead back heading into next season. Despite dealing with an injury for much of the year, he returned in time for fantasy managers to utilize him late in the season when it mattered most. The Chargers face the Chiefs in Week 17, and while he'll command the lion's share of the workload, he is not a recommended start in DFS formats.

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler rushed 13 times for 60 yards and added four receptions for 19 yards in the Chargers' 30-27 overtime win over the Raiders in Week 15.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler ran well to the tune of 4.6 yards per carry but unfortunately for fantasy managers, he ceded goal-line work to Kalen Ballage and Justin Herbert. Ekeler had 17 touches, and normally that's enough for him to pay dividends for fantasy managers. Those that make it to the fantasy championship will be happy to see he faces the Broncos in Week 16.

Chargers' RB Austin Ekeler (quad) is officially active and will play in Thursday's Week 15 contest against the Raiders.

Fantasy Impact

As expected, Ekeler will play in Thursday's game against the Raiders. He has an excellent matchup as the Raiders are ranked 32nd in rush defense DVOA. Fantasy managers can safely insert Ekeler into their starting lineups for the fantasy playoffs. The 25-year-old is a surefire RB1 and currently fifth among all running backs in the latest expert consensus rankings for Week 15.