Michael Fiddle recommended betting Austin Ekeler over 22.5 rushing yards at -115. He expects Washington to lean on the veteran because Green Bay’s upgraded pass rush, spearheaded by Micah Parsons, will keep Ekeler on the field for pass protection. Fiddle reasoned that using Ekeler solely as a blocker would telegraph plays, so Kliff Kingsbury will mix in handoffs and allow audible draw calls when Ekeler is the lone back. He also highlighted market action that drove the prop up from 20.5 to 22.5 yards, signaling sharp interest on the over, and reminded readers that both offenses posted near-50/50 run-pass splits in Week 1. All three factors point to Ekeler clearing a modest rushing line.

Jacob Camenker recommended the OVER 2.5 receptions for Austin Ekeler at -160. Green Bay just surrendered 14 running-back catches to Detroit, a result Camenker attributes to the Pack inviting horizontal throws. Ekeler has logged at least three grabs in four straight games for Washington dating to last season, so the veteran’s short-area role plus the Packers’ soft underneath zone make three receptions a reasonable floor in what Camenker expects to be a higher-scoring affair than Washington’s 21-6 opener.

Bill Harrelson Picks played Austin Ekeler over 22.5 rushing yards in the division clash with the Giants. He acknowledged the 5-of-10 hit rate last year but argued the context is different: with Brian Robinson now in San Francisco and an unproven committee behind him, Washington should lean on Ekeler’s veteran reliability in Week 1. The number is already 25.5 on other books, creating immediate CLV. Ekeler logged 38 and 42 rushing yards in two meetings with New York last season despite a secondary role, and the Giants run defense ranked bottom-five, yielding 111 rushing yards per game. Dual-threat QB Jayden Daniels further stresses the front, opening lanes for simple inside zone, so Harrelson expects 8-10 carries—plenty to crack this modest total.

Matthew Betz said he is drafting Austin Ekeler aggressively at his current price because he expects him to "lead this backfield in touches" for Washington. Betz forecasts 13-16 opportunities per game after noting Ekeler handled a 70 % snap share and 15 touches in the one contest Brian Robinson missed last season. He believes the veteran’s pass-catching résumé (four 70-reception seasons) and proven goal-line chops give him RB2 upside even if Jayden Daniels and Chris Rodriguez siphon a few short-yardage looks. Betz dismissed age concerns, explaining last year’s workload dip stemmed from two concussions (Weeks 4 and 12) rather than physical decline. With home-league drafters fading the soon-to-be-30 back, Betz views Ekeler as a clear value in both redraft and best-ball formats.

Tom Strachan flipped his stance on Austin Ekeler and is hammering him at current ADP, especially in full-PPR formats. Strachan highlighted that Ekeler finished 12th in receiving yards among running backs last season even though he ran only the 31st-most routes, translating to a 7th-highest target share (11%) and 4th in yards per target. With rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels expected to be more comfortable in the passing game, Strachan sees room for an uptick in designed routes. Goal-line usage is the swing factor—Ekeler logged just three red-zone carries in 2024, so even a modest bump would be “a massive opportunity." Despite the Brian Robinson trade and the offseason buzz around seventh-rounder JCM, Strachan believes the front office views Ekeler as the clear touch leader. His price barely budged post-trade, making him a Round-7 steal who checks both pass-catching and potential goal-line boxes in Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.

Polzin explained that should New York keep the game close or even jump ahead, Austin Ekeler immediately becomes the ceiling play over Washington’s cheaper backs. From Weeks 1-11 last season Ekeler fell below double-digits just twice (4.0 and 7.8 DK points) thanks to elite target volume. With Terry still sidelined and “Devo Samuel” easing in, Polzin expects Sam Howell to lean on the veteran he trusts in the two-minute drill and check-down game. That passing usage plus early-season freshness makes Ekeler, at a discounted Week-1 salary, an ideal leverage play against presumed Commanders chalk.

Jake Ciely said Austin Ekeler is the one running back in the current RB22-30 blob who does not bring bench-level downside. Ciely pointed to Ekeler sitting in street clothes for the final preseason game. The other young backs played as proof the staff already views him as the lead option. Even if bruiser Chris Rodriguez pops up for a few goal-line carries, Ekeler’s pass-game role is locked in, giving him an RB2 floor and RB1 ceiling in half- and full-PPR formats. Ciely advised taking Ekeler over similarly priced backs whose workloads could evaporate by mid-season.

Mike Wright planted his flag on Austin Ekeler ending 2025 as a top-18 fantasy running back. In the three games Brian Robinson missed last season, Ekeler averaged 15 opportunities and posted weekly finishes of RB16 and RB6. He still drew 3.1 targets per game and his 1.84 yards per route run ranked fourth among RBs, right behind Jahmyr Gibbs. Ekeler's first-read target rate sat in the same neighborhood as Alvin Kamara and Breece Hall. Goal-line work is the swing factor: Ekeler converted 3 TDs on 5 carries inside the five while Robinson needed 13 tries for 4 scores. Wright expects Washington’s high-octane attack and Ekeler established receiving role to push him comfortably inside the top-20, with upside to flirt with the RB15 line.

Tom Strachan urged scooping Austin Ekeler at RB43. Even in a down year he recorded the 12th-most receiving yards among backs (366) while ranking 7th in target share (11 %) and 4th in yards per target. With Brian Robinson likely gone, Ekeler could dominate passing downs and maybe inherit goal-line looks. Strachan sees a path to top-24 RB production at a double-digit-round price.

Andy Holloway warned listeners not to rely on Austin Ekeler's current ADP, calling it "impossible for the market to catch up in time." He expects someone in every draft to grab Ekeler well ahead of the list price and urged managers to flag him on their cheat sheets so he is not buried. Holloway’s takeaway: if you draft strictly by the queue, you will miss a proven dual-threat back whose move to Washington has not yet been fully baked into draft platforms. Move Ekeler up your ranks or be prepared to watch another manager capitalize on the lag.

Andy Holloway cautioned that Austin Ekeler’s touchdown upside could evaporate in Washington after head coach Dan Quinn confirmed rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. will "handle the short-yardage goal-line opportunities." Holloway noted that if the backfield splits between Ekeler, Jeremy McNichols, and Rodriguez, fantasy managers lose the inside-the-five carries that drove Ekeler’s RB1 finishes with the Chargers. Although Holloway still expects Ekeler to lead the committee, he warned that without goal-line work Ekeler would need elite receiving volume just to return RB2 value—similar to his 2020 stretch when he averaged only 0.2 rushing TDs per game. He recommended downgrading Ekeler at current ADP and stashing Rodriguez late as a potential weekly touchdown vulture in season-long and best-ball leagues.

Andy Holloway advised fantasy managers to select Austin Ekeler ahead of Javante Williams, citing Ekeler’s proven ability to turn limited touches into top-tier fantasy production. Holloway noted that Ekeler’s pass-catching (five straight seasons of 65-plus receptions) and red-zone usage insulate him from volume volatility. He is unconcerned about Brian Robinson Jr., whom he called "just a guy," arguing that any early-down carries Robinson earns will not affect Ekeler’s high-value work. Holloway does not expect Washington’s coaching staff to reduce Ekeler’s role significantly, pointing out that the veteran is still the most efficient weapon in the backfield. With Ekeler available in the 11th round of many drafts, Holloway views him as a strong upside pick in season-long leagues.

Colm Kelly said he expects Washington to open 2025 with a fairly rigid two-man rotation: Brian Robinson handling the first two downs while Austin Ekeler is used almost exclusively as the hurry-up / third-down option. Kelly worries the 29-year-old Ekeler could be "phased out" once rookie JCM proves he can protect and catch, highlighting Ekeler’s recent concussion history and a Packers game two seasons ago where the veteran "looked half-speed." Because Kelly believes Jaden Daniels will keep the offense productive, he views Ekeler’s early reception totals as a mirage that could disappear after Week 6, making the back a risky season-long investment at current ADP.

Pat Fantasy Dog Pound passed on Austin Ekeler and advised fading Washington’s entire backfield. He noted that Jaden Daniels is "clutch in the red zone" and that the staff likes keeping the ball in the quarterback’s hands near the goal line, siphoning touchdown chances from every runner. Even if Brian Robinson misses time, Pat expects a committee featuring an "explosive" change-of-pace option (Chris Rodriguez Jr.) that further dilutes upside. Without goal-line work, Ekeler’s reception floor isn’t enough for the spike-weeks needed to advance in best-ball tournaments, making his current ADP a trap.

Freedman called Austin Ekeler one of his favorite bench picks at RB44 (ADP 133.9) after projecting 131.2 points and 54 targets in Washington. The 30-year-old produced 4.8 yards per carry and 8.9 yards per target in 2024 as a change-of-pace option. Freedman believes Ekeler’s pass-catching role is locked in, and any goal-line work—he led the league with 20 and 18 touchdowns in 2021-22—would be pure upside. He added that Ekeler’s weekly value spikes if starter Brian Robinson ever misses time, making him a flexible bye-week and injury hedge.

Matthew Freedman said Austin Ekeler should remain a set-and-forget RB1 because of his receiving workload. Freedman’s 2025 half-PPR projections show a near-perfect relationship between running back targets and fantasy points (R = 0.914, R² = 0.836). Ekeler is one of only 13 backs Freedman projects for 50-plus targets, a threshold Freedman labeled as "league-winning" given that 83.6 % of his projected scoring comes from those targets. Freedman argued Ekeler’s well-established pass-game role travels with him to Washington and makes him worth prioritizing whenever drafters let age or team-change concerns push his ADP outside the top 10.

Rich Hribar lobbied for Austin Ekeler when he slid into the mid-14th round. Even if Washington’s offense regresses under a new coaching staff, Hribar expects it to be functional and believes Ekeler’s passing-down role is locked in. That reception floor pairs well with rosters that already feature high-upside runners like Travis Etienne and Jayden Blue, giving Ekeler weekly spike-week potential without needing 250 carries. Hribar views him as one of the few backs outside the top-100 picks who can still post double-digit PPR games on receptions alone.

Best Ball Guy explained he has stopped drafting Austin Ekeler in the current Underdog Sprint because the backfield hierarchy is clearer now than it was in early drafts. With backups cemented, he worries Ekeler loses high-value touches down the stretch and no longer offers the unique ceiling his late-second ADP requires. BBG admitted he took Ekeler earlier in the summer when uncertainty allowed for outs to a workhorse role but said that edge has evaporated, so he is redirecting that capital to younger backs with clearer growth paths.

Koh called Ekeler a clear value 30–40 picks after Robinson. Ekeler’s target upside remains intact—he commanded nearly identical snaps to Robinson when active and is the superior receiver. With Eric Bieniemy gone, Washington is expected to emphasize quick passes to backs, boosting Ekeler’s PPR floor. Koh recommends scooping him as a mid-round RB2/flex rather than paying a premium for Robinson.

Peter Overzet argued that pairing Austin Ekeler with Jayden Daniels is an easy tiebreaker in Washington builds. He projected roughly 2.8 receiving touchdowns for Ekeler and noted the ‘double whammy’ effect: Daniels’ scramble-driven extensions create dump-offs for Ekeler while the overall offensive ceiling still leaves room for both to score on the same drive. Overzet believes market fear of Ekeler’s age profile overlooks the pass-game synergy with Daniels and views him as a correlated upside piece in Commanders stacks.

Best Ball Guy grabbed Austin Ekeler after an ADP slide caused by camp buzz around a seventh-round rookie and argued the veteran is still on the roster and likely to handle passing-down work. He views Ekeler as "cromulent enough" to cover the roster’s Week-8 bye when Christian McCaffrey sits, while also offering contingent upside if McCaffrey were to miss time. The price discount relative to historical production makes Ekeler a sensible value pick in mid-summer drafts.

Mario Puig said Austin Ekeler is being treated like an after-thought at a 151.9 ADP on DraftKings despite remaining Washington’s clear passing-down back. Puig acknowledged two concussions in 2024 but noted that risk is already "maybe twice" baked into a 13th-round cost. In full-PPR best ball drafts, Ekeler supplies a stabilizing floor: he averaged 1.69 yards per route last season (his best mark since 2020) and, when prorated to 17 games, would have produced 1,000+ scrimmage yards split almost evenly between rushing and receiving. Puig framed Ekeler as an inexpensive “glue guy” who lets drafters chase ceiling elsewhere while still locking in weekly catches.

On the Fantasy Life Show, Freedman called Ekeler a sleeper and explained why: last season he quietly posted 4.8 yards per carry and 8.9 yards per target in a change-of-pace role for Washington. He is locked into the passing-down job in what Freedman considers a good offense and has already demonstrated elite goal-line efficiency, leading the NFL with 20 and 18 touchdowns in 2021-22. If starter Brian Robinson misses time, Ekeler’s workload would spike, giving him league-winning upside at an RB43 ADP.

Mike Wright recommended stashing Austin Ekeler at his RB44 price tag, noting that fear over his age has overshadowed the Commanders’ offensive profile. Washington ranked first in EPA per rush and fifth in total yards last year and currently owns the league’s seventh-highest implied total for 2025. Those metrics create a fertile environment for any back to crush ADP. Wright framed Ekeler as a low-risk bench pick who could pay off if he soaks up the passing-down role or if Brian Robinson Jr. falters, giving managers exposure to a potential top-14 scoring offense without spending meaningful draft capital.

Mario Puig said Austin Ekeler is being forgotten at a 151.9 DraftKings ADP (13th round) despite still owning the same pass-heavy role he handled for Washington last year. Ekeler averaged 1.69 yards per route in 2024, his best mark since 2020, and a 17-game pace of his 2024 counting stats clears 1,000 scrimmage yards split almost 50/50 rush/receiving. Two concussions are the only red flag but Puig argued that risk is already double-counted in the price, especially in full-PPR best ball where Ekeler can act as a "glue guy" RB3/FLEX who smooths weekly variance.

Jason Moore said drafters should scoop up Austin Ekeler whenever he slips past RB30 because Washington’s offense quietly finished sixth in points and fifth in yards last year despite ranking bottom-five in pass attempts. Moore pointed out that Ekeler, even at age 30, still led all running backs with at least 100 touches in yards per touch, showing the explosive receiving juice fantasy managers covet. He believes Cliff Kingsbury’s system will lean on quick dump-offs whenever Jaden Daniels scrambles, giving Ekeler a high-floor pass-catching role. Moore acknowledged age-related injury risk but argued the cost bakes that in, calling Ekeler the one-pick contingency bet if you only want one Commander backfield share.

Ian Hartitz advised grabbing Austin Ekeler in the double-digit rounds, calling him a rare back who offers both stand-alone PPR value and true league-winning contingency upside. Hartitz pointed out that Ekeler and Brian Robinson each logged 70-plus percent snap shares at different times last season, proving Eric Bieniemy will lean on one runner when the other is banged up. Ekeler’s efficiency rebounded in 2024, and even in a split he still owns 7–8 catch weekly upside that pops on full-PPR sites like DraftKings. Concussions limited his late-season workload, but Hartitz believes the veteran has enough juice left to function as a usable FLEX while simultaneously profiling as a top-15 back if Robinson—entering a contract year—misses time. That dual-path appeal separates Ekeler from pure handcuffs such as Tyler Allgeier and Tank Bigsby.

Neil Orfield called Austin Ekeler a screaming value on DraftKings, pointing out that every projection system has him beating his current ADP by roughly 15 slots in full-PPR scoring. Ekeler quietly led all running backs in yards per reception last season, and that was on just 41 targets across 12 injury-marred games. In Washington he instantly steps in as the passing-down specialist with clear three-down upside should anything happen to Brian Robinson. Orfield reminded drafters that DK rewards receptions far more than 100-yard bonuses, making Ekeler’s target floor and contingent ceiling a perfect fit for mid-round builds.

Tom Strachan admitted he was ‘out’ on Austin Ekeler last season but is reversing course after reviewing the numbers. Even in a down year, Ekeler posted the 12th-most receiving yards among RBs (366) while ranking only 31st in routes run, translating to elite efficiency: 11.4 % target share (7th) and 8.93 yards per target (4th). Washington surprisingly passed on all high-profile free-agent or rookie backs, so the only real competition is Brian Robinson. Strachan argues that Ekeler’s proven pass-catching plus the Commanders’ lack of additions makes him a value PPR weapon who can flirt with RB2 production and offer contingent RB1 upside if Robinson falters.

Pat Fantasy Dog Pound called Austin Ekeler a “pretty bad pick” at his current 150-range Best Ball Mania 6 ADP. Pat argued the veteran’s ceiling has cratered after landing in Washington, where Brian Robinson Jr. is entrenched as the early-down hammer and rookie Jayden Daniels figures to siphon both red-zone carries and check-downs. He reminded viewers that Ekeler’s yards-per-touch fell from 5.2 to 3.5 last season and that only three RBs over age 29 have finished top-12 in Underdog scoring the past decade. Pat added that Washington’s Week-17 date with the Cowboys projects for one of the lowest totals on the board, further limiting Ekeler’s tournament-final upside. In his words, “You’re drafting a pass-catch specialist on a team that might throw 28 times a game—hard pass at pick 150.”

Pat Fantasy Dog Pound trashed a viewer’s selection of Austin Ekeler at 158 overall, calling it “gross” despite the nine-pick ADP discount. Pat pointed out that the 29-year-old back enters a brand-new Washington offense where he will split early-down carries with Brian Robinson Jr. and likely cede most high-value goal-line touches to rookie bruiser Jaylen Wright. He said Ekeler’s efficiency cratered to 3.5 yards per carry last year and that, at this stage, you are looking at a weekly range of four fantasy points or zero if the passing-down scripts do not break his way. Given the Commanders’ projected win total of 6.5 and a run-blocking unit that ranked 29th in PFF grades, Pat advised passing on Ekeler entirely unless his price free-falls into the 180s.