Who Should I Start? Austin Ekeler or Wil Lutz

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.

Monday, March 11, 5:21 PM

Despite a previous report saying that he was signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Monday, kicker Wil Lutz re-signed with the Denver Broncos on an undisclosed two-year deal, according to his agent, John Perla. Lutz will continue to kick for head coach Sean Payton, although moving to Jacksonville would have likely been much more lucrative for his 2024 fantasy value. The Broncos are in rebuilding mode and have moved on from quarterback Russell Wilson, which means their offense could struggle to get into field-goal range more often under Jarrett Stidham or another signal-caller. Lutz finished as the No. 18 fantasy kicker in 2023 by making 30 of his 34 field-goal tries and 29 of his 31 extra points. With Wilson now gone and an offense in flux, Lutz's fantasy ceiling and floor are likely going to be lower in his second year with the team.