Fantasy Football Player Notes

Austin Ekeler is your classic PPR running back. He's in line for a ton of receptions and all purpose yardage with the Chargers this year. However, TDs are not his strong suit. Ekeler found te end zone just 3 times in 10 games last year. In auction leagues, Ekeler is the poor man's Alvin Kamara. In standard leagues, yards are yards, but his lack of goal line work could hold back his overall value. Still, he's a low end RB1 in all formats.

Justin Herbert set a rookie record for passing TDs (31), threw just ten picks, and crossed 4.3K yards on his way to Rookie of the Year honors. A new coaching staff, including a new OC, should be careful not to screw up a good thing. The new OC is Joe Lombardi, former QB coach of the Saints. Learning under Sean Payton and Drew Brees, expectations are high for Herbert and company. The expectations are a more "up-tempo" offense built around Herbert's strengths. Drafting Rashawn Slater goes a long way to helping improve an offensive line that struggled. With (8) 300-yard games, Herbert had some big days in 2020, but he also had some rookie moments. Suppose you draft Herbert, bid on a similar season to 2020, not necessarily upside for more. He's not as safe as some veterans like Russell Wilson, nor do I think he has the upside in startup dynasty leagues like Trevor Lawrence or Joe Burrow. But the 23-year-old QB was impressive enough year one to consider him a QB1 in 2021.