Who Should I Start? Ameer Abdullah or Austin Ekeler

Friday, March 8, 9:17 PM

The Raiders re-signed running back Ameer Abdullah, the team announced on Friday. The 2015 No. 54 overall pick has played in 125 regular season games, amassing 1,683 yards and six touchdowns off 428 carries. He's also made eight more trips to the end zone as a pass-catcher. While the Raiders backfield situation remains a work in progress heading toward the 2024-25 campaign, there could be an opportunity for Abdullah to get more involved. However, that's not likely, as he's anticipated to remain buried on the depth chart, although he should get a few touches each game. That said, that won't make him relevant for fantasy managers.

Monday, March 11, 7:05 PM

Veteran free-agent running back Austin Ekeler is signing with the Washington Commanders on Monday on a two-year deal worth up to $11.43 million, according to sources. Ekeler is headed to the East coast after seven seasons and 69 total touchdowns with the Los Angeles Chargers. The 28-year-old was extremely productive in his time with the Bolts, but he's coming off one of his worst statistical seasons in 2023 and is now heading to a Commanders backfield where he'll be expected to split the workload with Brian Robinson. On a side note, former Commanders RB Antonio Gibson agreed to join the New England Patriots. Gone are the days of Ekeler being a no-doubt RB1 for fantasy managers, although he still has the talent to be a highly productive RB3/flex option, especially in PPR leagues. In addition, the Commanders' signing of Ekeler is going to be bad news for B-Rob's fantasy ceiling.