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Austin Ekeler's fantasy football start 'em, sit 'em picks for Week 16 (2023). Our advice on whether you should start or sit Austin Ekeler for fantasy lineups.
BALLER MOVE: Risky Start in 12+ Team Leagues
POSITIONAL VALUE: RB3
ANALYSIS: Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler rushed the ball just five times for nine yards and caught four of his six targets for 29 yards through the receiving game in the Week 15 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders. Ekeler continues to struggle, now reaching single-digit fantasy performances in four of the last five weeks. This leaves fantasy managers concerned about whether or not Ekeler should be in fantasy lineups. Let's dive in.
There has been no surprise that the Chargers have shockingly been horrible this season and it doesn't help when your franchise quarterback Justin Herbert gets placed on IR with a fractured right index finger. This ultimately ended any rhythm that this offense maybe could have found in the back end of the season. The bonus feature that Ekeler always had equipped was his ability to shine in both the rushing and the receiving game. However, both areas of play have been on a decline, especially his rushing attempts. Ekeler has seen more than 15 carries just three times this year and he has just 141 carries this season, which is 33rd in the NFL.
In Week 16, the Chargers will have a home game against the Buffalo Bills. The Bills currently rank 16th in the NFL in rushing yards allowed and 10th in rushing touchdowns allowed this season. This ultimately doesn't give Ekeler the most friendly matchup but should be enough for him to grab solid work in the receiving game.
Fantasy managers shouldn't feel confident about starting Ekeler, especially without quarterback Justin Herbert. Ekeler seems to have lost his spectacular rushing ability and is really only used in the receiving game now. The running back can be viewed as a RB3 this week and can be played as a Flex at the very best in Week 16.
Austin Ekeler is listed as the RB26 in our Half-PPR rankings.
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