Chargers RB Austin Ekeler could help you win your 2021 fantasy football league

The Chargers offseason brought with it a coaching staff, which could bring a positive impact to those who are playing fantasy football this year.

Among the players who should have owners licking their chops is running back Austin Ekeler.

Ekeler enters his fifth season with new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi calling the shots. One thing about Lombardi is that he has historically gotten his running backs involved more than most coaches in the league.

During his time with the Saints, Lombardi utilized backs like Reggie Bush and Darren Sproles, but the most notable was Alvin Kamara, who recorded at least 1,500 yards from scrimmage and 13 touchdowns three times in his first four seasons.

It just so happens that Ekeler has a very similar skill-set to Kamara, considering the two are ultra-refined runners and lethal pass-catchers.

In each of his seasons, Ekeler has put up big numbers. He amassed 933 yards from scrimmage while missing six games during the 2020 season, but had 1,550 during an injury-free 2019 campaign.

Ekeler shouldn’t have to worry about that many touches being taken because Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley or Larry Rountree III have yet to establish themselves as candidates to receive bigger roles.

In addition, Ekeler will be playing behind the best offensive line he’s had since coming into the league.

Heading into the new season, should he stay healthy, Ekeler could be looking at his best campaign to date.

If I’m drafting, the Ekeler is going to be selected with my late first-round, early second-round selection in both standard and points per receptions (PPR) formats, and I am confident that he can finish as a top-5 running back by season’s end.

Draft Ekeler and reap the reward.

Projection: 815 Rush Yds | 4 Rush Tds | 81 Rec | 801 Rec Yds | 7 Rec Tds