Should I Draft Gus Edwards Or J.K. Dobbins For Fantasy Football? Who Is The Chargers RB1 For 2024?

After opting not to re-sign longtime starter Austin Ekeler, the Los Angeles Chargers remade their running back room this offseason. They brought in two former Baltimore Ravens backs in J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards.

New head coach Jim Harbaugh prefers an offense with a strong ground attack. So this is a backfield fantasy gamers are watching with great interest. Dobbins and Edwards have their warts, but each back is expected to be in the mix to begin the season.

Both players are potentially intriguing selections in fantasy drafts, but which one should fantasy football players target this year? Let’s take a few minutes and discuss.

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J.K. Dobbins 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Dobbins joins the Chargers on a one-year deal after suffering a brutal Achilles' injury in Week 1 of the 2023 season. Very few backs have overcome an Achilles' tear, and Dobbins also has a severe knee injury on his resume.

The fifth-year back does have experience in offensive coordinator Greg Roman’s system. Dobbins flashed elite ability as a rookie, and he hopes to resurrect his career in Los Angeles.

Go be great J.K. Dobbins 🥲 pic.twitter.com/Uz9hnvrj7V

— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) April 17, 2024

Gus Edwards 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Edwards took over as the Ravens’ lead back last year when Dobbins was lost for the year. He played quite well finishing a respectable 18th in Next Gen Stats' Rush Yards Over Expected (RYOE) and scored a career-high 13 rushing touchdowns.

There are THREE certainties in life.

Death.

Taxes.

Gus Edwards Red Zone TD’s #RavensFlock pic.twitter.com/MDW5BsUqMv

— Nic Mason (@British_Raven19) November 5, 2023

Los Angeles gave him a two-year contract this offseason and Edwards could be in line for a large role once again in 2024.

Who Should I Draft in Fantasy Football?

Dobbins is coming off a second potentially career-altering injury. Seeing a resurgence would be the feel-good story of the season, but it’s hard to recommend investing in a back with his injury history.

Edwards is not a sexy name, but he’s been very reliable throughout his career. The team has also stated multiple times throughout the offseason they view him as a three-down back, and he could be in line for a big season.

Edwards should be seen as the preferred pick between these two players. However, fantasy managers shouldn’t be surprised if another back (Rookie Kimani Vidal for example) emerges later in the season as the team’s lead rusher.

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