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Who will be the starting running back for the Washington Commanders in 2024? Mike Fanelli takes a look at the credentials of each candidate to see who is likely the lead running back.
The Washington Commanders should have an exciting offense under rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. While the former LSU star can have over 1,000 rushing yards in 2024, he isn’t the focal point of the run game.
Washington added Austin Ekeler in free agency after losing Antonio Gibson to the New England Patriots. The veteran will form a 1-2 punch in the backfield with Brian Robinson Jr.
However, which running back will be the team’s starter and the RB1 for fantasy players? Let’s dive into it.
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Austin Ekeler 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Ekeler was the RB28 last season, averaging 11.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran running back missed three games because of injuries and played most of the year with a high-ankle sprain. Yet, he still had 179 rushing attempts for 628 yards and five touchdowns.
Austin Ekeler gets the Chargers on the board
📺: #DENvsLAC on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/pWMED8SAQa pic.twitter.com/hudoJX8dvV— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2023
Unfortunately, the former fantasy superstar averaged only 3.5 yards per rushing attempt in 2023, a career low. Ekeler had averaged at least 4.2 yards per rushing attempt every year of his career until last season. Furthermore, his five rushing scores were his lowest total since 2020.
Brian Robinson Jr. 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook
Robinson was the RB22 last year, averaging 12.0 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The second-year player missed two games because of injury but still set career highs in several categories. He had 178 rushing attempts for 733 yards and five touchdowns. Furthermore, Robinson flashed upside in the passing game, pulling in 36 receptions on 43 targets for 368 receiving yards and four touchdowns last season.
.@Sam7Howell secures the @Commanders first TD in 2023 (in only his 2nd NFL game ever) 🔥
📺: #AZvsWAS on FOX⁰
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/G4uoYVOqQn pic.twitter.com/jJoMIU6YVA— NFL (@NFL) September 10, 2023
However, he averaged only 4.1 yards per rushing attempt after posting a 3.9 mark as a rookie. The Commanders improved their offensive line this offseason. More importantly, Robinson should be the goal-line specialist for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Who Is The Starting Running Back For The Washington Commanders?
Fantasy players should expect both running backs to get significant work in 2024. Ekeler will be the passing-down running back because of his ability to protect the quarterback and make plays out of the backfield.
Meanwhile, Robinson should be the early-down and goal-line running back, setting the bulk of rushing attempts and touchdowns. Both players will have fantasy value this season, but Robinson is the more valuable Washington running back.
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