BALLER MOVE: Start in 12+ Team Leagues
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB2/Flex
ANALYSIS: Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler will be in a split committee with Brian Robinson Jr. entering the 2024 season, which makes him a low-end RB2/flex play in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The 29-year-old had a disappointing 2023 campaign, totaling only 628 rushing yards and five scores. Through the air, he saw 436 yards and one additional touchdown. His production last fall was hindered by a high-ankle sprain that he suffered early in the season, which lingered for most of the season.
During the preseason, the Commanders typically rotated the two backs, with Robinson seeing the early-down work while Ekeler typically entered on passing downs. However, there were times in the red zone when Ekeler entered the game instead of Robinson.
Jayden Daniels drops a dime to Austin Ekeler 🎯
(🎥:@Commanders) pic.twitter.com/rr0JMT4Pe9
— brandon (@JayDanielsMVP) August 21, 2024
While this split may help Ekeler stay healthy throughout the season, it will greatly limit his overall production.
The season opener in Tampa Bay is currently set at a 43 O/U point spread. If Jayden Daniels performs just as well as he did in the preseason, Ekeler could see occasional spike weeks, especially given his ability to succeed as a receiver.
Fantasy managers in PPR leagues should feel comfortable inserting Ekeler into their lineup as a low-end RB2 while o.5 PPR managers should consider the Western Colorado product a flex play.
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