Austin Ekeler Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Ekeler made only 12 appearances last year, limiting him to a RB34 finish in PPR. He jumped to RB29 in points per game.

The former Charger racked up 367 rushing yards and four TDs, adding 35 catches and 366 additional yards through the air. Ekeler spiked with an eight-catch, 89-yard outing in Week 1. He hit 30+ receiving yards in six games.

Still, he failed to rebound from a down 2023. Ekeler’s 11.0 PPR points per game were his fewest since 2017.

Usage & Role

Ekeler averaged 6.4 carries and 3.4 targets per game.

In eight healthy games alongside Brian Robinson, Ekeler never topped a 22% carry share. But he garnered at least an 8% target share in each game, topping out at a huge 28% in Week 11.

In eight healthy games with Robinson, Ekeler recorded:

• 5.1 carries per game on a 17.2% share
• 3.5 targets per game on an 11.4% share

Ekeler benefited from seeing the field in pass-friendly situations. Per FantasyLife, he played 77% of the team’s long down and distance snaps and 67% of the two-minute snaps.

Efficiency Metrics

Ekeler recorded a career-low 2.51 yards after contact per attempt last year. That shouldn’t come as a surprise given his age (29) and size (5’9, 200 lbs.).

On a promising note, his 4.6 yards per carry was just above his career average. He added 1.59 yards per route run, a figure he hadn’t reached since 2020 (1.71).

Offensive Context

Ekeler was never a great bet for rushing volume.

QB Jayden Daniels instantly hit the league as a dynamic rusher. Sure enough, he accounted for a hefty 148 carries.

Brian Robinson – at 228 pounds – handled most of the early-down work.

But Washington’s underwhelming pass-catcher corps helped Ekeler. Terry McLaurin supplied an alpha threat, and TE Zach Ertz enjoyed a resurgent season. Beyond that pair, targets were up for grabs in an offense that exceeded all expectations.

The ‘24 Commanders also finished top seven in plays, yards, and points.

Injury History

Ekeler missed five games with a pair of concussions – the third and fourth such injuries of his pro career.

He missed three games with a high-ankle sprain in 2023.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Ekeler enters the final season of a two-year contract.

Per ESPN’s John Keim, Washington reportedly wanted a “dynamic” three-down back in the draft. Instead, they didn’t select one until Round 7 (Jacory Croskey-Merritt). He played only one game this past season.

So it’ll be Ekeler and Brian Robinson atop the depth chart once again.

Now, we’ll see how much rushing work is given to the newly acquired Deebo Samuel. But we’re not expecting him to see more than a carry or two per game.

Supporting Cast

Ekeler’s supporting cast looks stronger with Samuel, Year 2 of Jayden Daniels, and new LT Laremy Tunsil.

The ‘24 Commanders already ranked second in ESPN’s run block win rate. They hit on durable free agent additions from last year like G Nick Allegretti and C Tyler Biadasz.

Both guys return for 2025.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Washington retained OC Kliff Kingsbury and RB coach/run game coordinator Anthony Lynn. Ekeler worked with Lynn when he was on the Chargers’ coaching staff (2017-2020).

We expect a similar offensive approach here. Last year, the Commanders sat 20th in pass rate but jumped to tenth in pass rate over expected.