Austin Ekeler

As we approach the 2025 fantasy football season, Austin Ekeler's outlook is marked by several key factors that could impact his performance. After joining the Washington Commanders in 2024, Ekeler faced a challenging season, averaging just 8.1 fantasy points per game, which placed him outside the RB2 range. This was largely due to injuries, including two concussions that forced him to miss five games.

Ekeler's role in the Commanders' offense remains primarily tied to passing downs, a position he has excelled in throughout his career. However, there are concerns about his target share and overall usage. The addition of Deebo Samuel to the Commanders could potentially cut into Ekeler's short-area passing game opportunities, and the team has also drafted RB Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who might compete for some of Ekeler's passing downs work.

Despite these challenges, Ekeler still holds value as a late-round flex option. When healthy, he has shown the ability to be a significant contributor in PPR formats, particularly in his receiving role. In 2024, he was 11th in target share and third in yards per route run among running backs, indicating he can still be effective even with reduced touches.

For fantasy managers, it's crucial to consider Ekeler's health and the depth chart dynamics. If Brian Robinson Jr. remains healthy, Ekeler's opportunities might be limited, and any significant injury to Robinson Jr. would be the primary catalyst for Ekeler to see increased usage. Given his current ADP in the Round 12-13 range, Ekeler can be a decent gamble for those looking for a reliable pass-catching running back, but it's important to temper expectations regarding his overall upside.

Updated 06/28/2025