Austin Ekeler

Week 15 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Austin Ekeler out-snapped Melvin Gordon 31 to 29 but Gordon out-touched Ekeler 17 to 12. In Week 14, Ekeler finished with eight rushing attempts for 101 yards, four receptions on five targets for 29 yards, and was the half PPR RB1. Congratulations to those who took the risk and started Ekeler on DraftKings and received the rare double bonus for having 100+ rushing yards and 100+ receiving yards.

The Vikings are better at defending the run than the pass. They are a good example of a pass funneling defense. They are fourth-worst against wide receivers but eighteenth best against running backs, as shown by our signature schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed metric. 4for4 rankings expert, John Paulsen, has Ekeler ranked as a high-end half PPR RB2. The Chargers will continue to use a running back by committee approach but Ekeler’s rushing and receiving usage provide a high ceiling on a weekly basis.

Week 13 at Denver Broncos

Points might be limited in this game because it has the second-lowest over/under (38.5) of the week. The Broncos are seventh-best against running backs, as shown by our signature schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed metric. Since Gordon’s return to the field in Week 5, he has out-touched Austin Ekeler 118 to 80, out-snapped Ekeler 263 to 241, but Ekeler has outscored him in half PPR scoring 90.6 points to 85.1. 4for4 rankings expert, John Paulsen, has Ekeler ranked as a low end half PPR RB2.

Week 10 at Oakland Raiders
Ekeler was out-snapped by Melvin Gordon 45 to 24 and out-touched 23 to 16. However, he was still able to finish as the half PPR RB25 with twelve rushing attempts for 70 yards (5.8 YPC) and four receptions on four targets for 23 yards. Gordon’s usage was noticeably higher than previous weeks but new play-caller, Shane Steichen, showed he wants to continue using Ekeler as a runner and a receiver out of the backfield.

Oakland’s defense is much better against the run than the pass. They are a perfect example of a pass funnel. They are 11th against running backs but third-worst against wide receivers, as shown by our signature schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed metric. Ekeler continues to be a receiving threat and may see increased usage if the Chargers fall behind early or the game turns into a shoot out. A shoot-out is possible with a decent over/under (48.5). 4for4 rankings expert John Paulsen has Ekeler ranked as a low-end half PPR RB2 in Week 10.