Austin Ekeler has been one of the top running backs in fantasy football over the last three seasons, scoring more than 340 points twice and scoring a combined 44 total touchdowns in that time. Unfortunately for Ekeler and fantasy managers who had him last season, his 2023 campaign was less than stellar with just six touchdowns and 185.4 points in his 14 games. And at the age of 28 (he turns 29 in May), many fantasy managers have dropped Ekeler on their rank lists.
That could change, however, if the veteran runner lands with a team that will utilize him to the best of his abilities. I could argue that didn’t happen last season, and that could be part of the reason the Los Angeles Chargers didn’t even consider Ekeler with the franchise tag this offseason. Still, he has plenty left in the tank.
Here’s a list of five teams where Ekeler would be best served, in terms of both real and fantasy football, as he enters his eighth season in the NFL.
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Dallas Cowboys
As a Cowboys fan and a friend of Austin, I’d be behind this move. The team didn’t tag Tony Pollard, leaving them with a hole in their backfield. That would make Ekeler a nice fit. His pass-catching chops would make him a weapon in the passing attack, giving Dak Prescott a dangerous option on both screens and check downs. If he did end up in Big D, Ekeler would be in the No. 2 fantasy runner conversation.
Chicago Bears
The Bears are flush with money and will no doubt use some of that dough to give their quarterback (either incumbent Justin Fields or the soon-to-be-drafted Caleb Williams) additional weapons. If it’s the rookie out of USC, which is expected, adding Ekeler would be an attractive option. He’d be used as a pass catcher and safety net for Williams, while sharing some of the workload with Roschon Johnson.
Houston Texans
The Texans have an exciting young offense, but they could use an upgrade in their backfield. Dameon Pierce was a dud as an NFL sophomore and Devin Singletary is slated to become a free agent, so Ekeler would be a nice addition. A better pass catcher and goal-line back than Singletary, Ekeler could be used in the running and passing games for offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. He’d be a No. 2 fantasy back.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings have moved on from Alexander Mattison, leaving a gaping hole in their backfield. If the team decides to spend on the position, Ekeler would be a nice fit. Coach Kevin O’Connell loves to throw the football, so he would be prominent in both aspects of the offense. In this scenario, the Vikings could still also use Ty Chandler in a committee. Of course, the return (or departure) of Kirk Cousins would have an impact on any back, including Ekeler, that the Vikings might decide to sign.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles could move on from D’Andre Swift, who wasn’t franchised and is now heading into free agency, so Ekeler could be a fit. That depends on whether or not general manager Howie Roseman wants to spend a few bucks on a back, though. Ekeler would also come in knowing the offense of Kellen Moore, who was the OC in Los Angeles last season. I’m not sure if that’s a good or a bad thing, however, as Ekeler is coming off his worst full fantasy season since 2018. Still, a move to the City of Brotherly Love would keep Ekeler well on the No. 2 fantasy back radar.
