BALLER MOVE: Start if Brian Robinson Jr. doesn't play
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB2/RB4
ANALYSIS: Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler struggled in Week 6, but he faced the best run defense in the NFL in the Baltimore Ravens, so that wasn't much of a surprise. He has a much softer matchup against the Carolina Panthers scheduled for Week 7.
63% of the Panthers starting defense is OUT/Injured
You don't realize how bad it is until you put it on paper. The Panthers are down to 4 of their projected 11 starters from the offseason... there is only so much a team can overcome. pic.twitter.com/LTQwMRW4d3
— Two Growls One Roar (@2growls1roar) October 1, 2024
Carolina has struggled with a litany of defensive injuries this season, none bigger than Pro-Bowl defensive tackle Derrick Brown, who is out for the season. Commanders lead running back Brian Robinson Jr. (knee) is dealing with a knee injury and is questionable to play Sunday.
Ekeler is a must-start RB2 if Robinson can't go. If he can, then the former Los Angeles Charger is more of a high-end RB4. His fantasy output would almost certainly depend on volume, but there's a good chance he could be relevant against such a poor defense.
If both backs end up taking the field, it's best to only start Ekeler in leagues of 14 or more teams.
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