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Fantasy Football: Gus Edwards has RB1 upside with J.K. Dobbins out

By Jakob Ashlin

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 27: Running back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs against linebacker Tae Crowder #48 of the New York Giants during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 27: Running back Gus Edwards #35 of the Baltimore Ravens runs against linebacker Tae Crowder #48 of the New York Giants during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on December 27, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards has established himself as one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. With J.K. Dobbins sidelined, Edwards will now have the opportunity to be an elite fantasy option.

Running back J.K. Dobbins finished last season strong as he recorded a rushing touchdown in each of Baltimore’s final six regular season games. With the departure of Mark Ingram II, Dobbins seemed primed for a breakout year. Unfortunately, Dobbins suffered a season-ending ACL injury during the Ravens’ preseason matchup with the Washington Football Team.

Suddenly, Gus Edwards will be thrust into the starting running back role. So, what impact will he have for fantasy owners? Let’s take a deeper look.

Fantasy Football: Gus Edwards has legitimate RB1 upside

Since entering the league in 2018, Edwards has been the model of efficiency. There are only two players in NFL history, who have rushed for over 700 yards and averaged 5+ yards per carry across each of their first three seasons; those players are Nick Chubb and Gus Edwards.

Despite Edwards’ performance, he never truly got the chance to become the lead back in Baltimore. In 2018, Alex Collins started 10 games for the Ravens before being placed on the IR in December. In 2019, Mark Ingram II led the backfield en route to a Pro Bowl season. The Ravens’ backfield was especially crowded in 2020 with Edwards, Dobbins, and Ingram splitting carries. With Ingram gone, Edwards should easily top his previous career-high in carries this season.

Edwards’ RB1 upside is dependent upon his newfound role. The Ravens are the most run-heavy offense in the entire NFL. Last season, they led the league in rushing attempts and rushing yards. In 2019, they broke the NFL record for rushing yards in a single season. Now, Edwards will be the unquestioned lead back in that offense. Furthermore, he will face less competition for carries than Ingram in 2019 and Dobbins in 2020. Edwards’ biggest competition for touches will be Ty’Son Williams, who spent last season on the practice squad after being signed as an undrafted free agent.

Fantasy owners should expect Edwards to be among the league-leaders in rushing touchdowns. As a team, the Ravens scored 24 rushing touchdowns in 2020, so Edwards should have plenty of opportunities to get into the end zone. Last season, Edwards led the Ravens with 17 carries from inside the 10-yard line. If we add that with Dobbins’ 16 carries from inside the 10-yard line, Edwards would have a total of 33 carries, which would have ranked fourth in the NFL last season.

Edwards’ biggest weakness is his lack of production in the passing game. He has recorded only 18 receptions over his three-year career. Nevertheless, his production in the running game should outweigh those concerns.

Right now, Edwards is locked in as an RB2 with a lot of potential.

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