Austin Ekeler Week 3 Outlook - Eagles at Commanders

By Derek Brown (FantasyPros), Sat, Sep 24th 2022, 9:37am EDT

It's not time to press the panic button with Ekeler, but this isn't the unquestioned top-five fantasy option we saw last year. Ekeler is averaging 20.5 touches and 83 total yards per game, but he's RB14 on volume because he hasn't scored a touchdown yet, and his red zone work is in question. He's 15th in % of the team's rushing carries (minimum ten carries) and has taken a backseat in the red zone. Sony Michel has seen 42.9% of the team's red zone carries, with Ekeler only grabbing 28.6%. His passing game role is keeping him afloat as he's fourth in target share (18.4%) among running backs while ranking first in receiving yards and receptions. The Jaguars have reprised their run defense prowess that we saw in spurts last year. They have allowed the lowest rush success rate, eighth-lowest rush EPA, and 14th-lowest explosive run rate. They are also 14th in DVOA against receiving backs after ranking second-best last season. This is a stout matchup for Ekeler, so temper expectations.