Welcome to fantasy football land: Where running backs matter

Round 2 Target: Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers

I have seen Ekeler go anywhere from late 1st round to early 3rd round, so I am splitting the difference and taking him here in Round 2.

Take a two minutes to click on the tweet above and listen to the passionate Matthew Berry voice his frustrations on where Ekeler is currently going in fantasy drafts.

I’m with you, Mr. Berry

And here are two more things to consider when making a decision on Ekeler

Per Pro Football Focus, Ekeler has the most yards after the catch in the league since 2019. (1,431)

As well as …

Joe Lombardi, the Chargers new offensive coordinator, recently compared Ekeler to Saints                RB, Alvin Kamara as well as two former Saints running backs, Reggie Bush and Darren                        Sproles.

2021 Outlook via ESPN:

"“Ekeler missed six games due to injury last season, but he was his usual productive self when healthy. During 10 active weeks, Ekeler racked up 933 yards and was fantasy’s No. 8-scoring RB despite finding the end zone only three times. Even including the weeks he was sidelined, Ekeler finished fifth among backs in receptions and receiving yards for the second-consecutive season. Ekeler has still yet to clear 132 carries in a single season, but his heavy volume and elite efficiency as a receiver makes him one of the few backs in the league who could reasonably push for 90 receptions. The 26-year-old is a mid-to-back-end RB1.”"

Word to the Wise:  The most carries Ekeler has ever received in a season was in 2019 when he carried the rock 132 times.