Austin Ekeler

With Melvin Gordon now in Denver, Chargers RB Austin Ekeler sits atop the depth chart in Los Angeles, but head coach Anthony Lynn remains adamant that Justin Jackson and Joshua Kelley will share the load in the backfield.

Fantasy Impact

Coach Lynn doesn’t want to lose the versatility and flexibility Ekeler brings to the Chargers offense, and thus has said he will be the starter entrenched in a RBBC in Los Angeles. While this may sound like a fantasy downgrade for Ekeler, we’re not particularly worried. Even with the presence of Gordon last season, Ekeler still managed to finish as the fourth-highest scoring RB in PPR leagues. He might not be an every down back, but he’ll be lined up all over the field, and should see a production similar to what he saw last season. He’s currently ranked #14 in FantasyPros consensus RB rankings, but he could easily finish as an RB1 in PPR leagues this year. Draft Ekeler with confidence.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Austin Ekeler and the Chargers have come to terms on a four-year, $24.5 million contract.

Fantasy Impact

Schefter adds that the deal includes $15 million guaranteed. The 24-year-old back made the most of his opportunity during Melvin Gordon's holdout last Fall. For the season Ekeler compiled 92 receptions and 11 total touchdowns. It was reported earlier this week that Gordon is planning to test the free agent market. He will now have to as the Chargers are moving forward with Ekeler as their guy.

Austin Ekeler rushed nine times for 46 yards and had nine receptions for 43 yards in the Chargers' 31-21 loss to the Chiefs Sunday. He was targeted 11 times.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler finished a very strong 2019 with a solid PPR day Sunday. He will enter next season as an RB2 with big upside if Melvin Gordon does not return.

Austin Ekeler rushed four times for 11 yards and had five receptions for 58 yards in the Chargers' 24-17 loss to the Raiders Sunday. He was targeted six times.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler once again had a decent PPR showing Sunday despite failing to score. His value next season will depend on what happens with Melvin Gordon, but he is likely at least an RB2.

Austin Ekeler rushed seven times for 19 yards and had five receptions for 62 yards on seven targets in the Chargers' 39-10 loss to the Vikings Sunday.

Fantasy Impact

Ekeler had another solid PPR day Sunday against Minnesota. He remains an RB1/2 for the fantasy finals against Oakland.