Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Omarion Hampton

Sunday, January 26, 6:46 PM

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler tallied just 32 all-purpose yards during their loss in the NFC Championship game to the Philadelphia Eagles. Ekeler also lost a fumble. The Commanders were playing from behind throughout most of the contest, putting their rushing attack out of the game plan. However, even when Ekeler was given the ball through the air, he could not perform. He caught five of his seven targets but tallied just 17 yards. His seven targets tied him the second-most on the team, only behind tight end Zach Ertz. Throughout the season, the 29-year-old operated primarily as a change-of-pace option in the Washington backfield. Entering Sunday, Ekeler posted a strong 10.3 yards per catch and a 4.8 yards per carry. Ekeler will likely remain in this role next season as he enters the final year of his contract.

Wednesday, June 11, 5:36 PM

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman has been impressed with rookie first-round running back Omarion Hampton. "He's the total package. You don't see a lot of guys find a hole like he's doing right now," Roman said. The Bolts also signed Najee Harris in free agency this offseason, but Hampton figures to have a big role in his first year in the NFL and is already ranked higher than Harris at RotoBaller. The 22-year-old had over 1,500 rushing yards in his final two seasons at North Carolina and is extremely athletic. We already know the Chargers are going to run plenty under Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Hampton should reap the benefits. As far as his fantasy value goes, Harris is going to steal valuable touches as an all-around back, but Hampton will have clear RB2 upside and could easily be L.A.'s preferred RB by season's end.