10 RB sleepers to target for fantasy football Week 11
By Alex Wolfe
Austin Ekeler
RB, Chargers
Speaking of one-week explosions, Ekeler killed it last week. Ten carries for 42 yards and five receptions for 77 yards and two touchdowns would have definitely won a few people some matchups. That is, if anyone actually had him rostered and starting.
(Nobody had this dude starting last week.)
Ekeler’s in a tricky situation to predict. He’s on a team that used to employ Danny Woodhead (gainfully) as its passing-down specialist, but fantasy stud Melvin Gordon has improved greatly in the passing game over the last year-plus. Still, even the best backs need to rest sometimes, and Ekeler seems to be producing with what he’s been given, even before last week’s explosion.
Ekeler has averaged (small sample size alert!) 5.0 yards per carry this season on 25 attempts, a great mark for a backup running back. He’s also been averaging a little over three targets per game since Week 4.
I’m not saying at all that this guy is about to turn into a stud when he’s playing behind Gordon. But, if you have an expendable spot at the end of your bench, he seems worth the add for either an emergency flex play or insurance for if Gordon gets hurt. Don’t add Ekeler expecting him to win you a championship in a few weeks, but don’t be surprised if he helps you at some point in a pinch.