Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (knee) was placed on injured reserve ahead of Week 13, and he will now miss at least three more games, meaning he won't be eligible to return until Week 17. This means there's a vacancy at the RB position for a team that tends to run the ball often.
That could provide value for fantasy managers moving forward. Running backs Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal are the next two options on the depth chart, meaning they could get the most of the remaining opportunities. The way LAC adjusts the game plan to Dobbins' absence will matter as well.
So, should you pick up Edwards or Vidal on waivers? Let's break down each player's outlook moving forward.
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Gus Edwards Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
His lack of PPR upside, inefficiency this season, and lack of involvement don't make him a great option for any league. So far this season, Dobbins is the only running back who's produced anything meaningful for fantasy managers. Edwards looks washed.
Honestly, I would keep feeding Gus Edwards. I’m good with 3-4 ypc. He gets tough yards. Get him double digit carries and he’ll get 75+ yards chewing up clock. pic.twitter.com/tXxRMvvLvz
— Chargers Country (@ChargersCountry) December 3, 2024
His play on the field is completely uninspiring.
Kimani Vidal Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Outlook
He's slightly more interesting as a player than Edwards. Rookies typically take time to develop in their first seasons, and we tend to see them end stronger than they started.
Takeaways: Chargers vs Falcons
1. Gus Edwards and Kimani Vidal were the primary RBs for LAC without JK Dobbins
1a. But each played 50% of snaps or fewer and had less than 10 touches
1b. I wouldn’t be playing either of these 2 RBs going forward
(1/4)
— Bjorn Vaernet (@goldengate_ff) December 2, 2024
There's just so little to go off. Other than a long receiving touchdown in his first NFL touch, he's just had so little volume. We could look at his rookie profile, but that doesn't help us further.
Should I Pick Up Gus Edwards or Kimani Vidal For Fantasy Football?
In most leagues, it's hard to see them being start-worthy unless something changes. In Week 13, Edwards logged only six carries, while Vidal carried the ball four times. This kind of volume simply won't cut it, and both scored below five PPR fantasy points. However, in deeper leagues, the rookie is the guy you want.
Notable Rookie RB Snap Shares in Weeks 9-13:
Tyrone Tracy Jr.📈
Bucky Irving📈
Blake Corum📈
Kimani Vidal📈
Isaac Guerendo📈
Jonathon Brooks📈
Jaylen Wright📉 pic.twitter.com/HtFctlK6nC— Scott Spratt (@Scott_Spratt) December 2, 2024
It's cool to see his snap share tick up at least. He may simply not have the talent to push his coaches to give him more playing time. He might also need more time to develop. But you should lean into the unknown if the known isn't good, and we know that Edwards isn't very good.
His 13 rushing touchdowns last season were impressive, but falling into the end zone a lot for an elite offense doesn't make you a good player -- like RB Jamaal Williams in 2022.
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