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Updated September 8, 2026 from live stats

Austin Ekeler or Gus EdwardsWho should you draft or start in 2026 fantasy football?

DraftCall Analytics

Start Austin Ekeler over Gus Edwards in 2026.

Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 PPG in 2025 to Gus Edwards's 7.0, a 2.0 point per game edge. Ekeler's 45-catch receiving role gives him a higher weekly floor in PPR and half-PPR.

The Bottom Line

Austin Ekeler is the better play on a neutral week. 9.0 PPG with 785 yards gives a reliable baseline. Gus Edwards at 7.0 PPG is not far behind and could win specific weeks where matchup and game script align. Draft Austin Ekeler higher, but do not fade Gus Edwards entirely.

Moderate confidence: stats favor the leader, but matchup variance could flip this weekly.

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RBWashington CommandersPPG LEADER

Austin Ekeler

PPG

9.0

Games

Rush Yds

425

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

360

Bye

Week 14

RBLos Angeles Chargers

Gus Edwards

PPG

7.0

Games

Rush Yds

468

Rush TDs

Rec

Rec Yds

Bye

Week 5

The Edge Chart

Austin Ekeler

Gus Edwards

Head to Head

9.0 PPG7.0 PPG

14 GP13 GP

Bye: Week 14Bye: Week 5

Fantasy Tiers

Austin Ekeler: Unranked RB. Gus Edwards: Unranked RB. Among the top 50 running backs this season, Austin Ekeler is producing at 41% of elite pace and Gus Edwards at 32%. That per-game gap means Austin Ekeler carries more trade value and a higher draft cost in 2026.

Austin Ekeler vs Gus Edwards: The Full Breakdown

If you are choosing between Austin Ekeler and Gus Edwards for your lineup, you are not alone. Austin Ekeler finished the 2025 season at 9.0 PPG for the Washington Commanders (14 games), and Gus Edwards averaged 7.0 for the Los Angeles Chargers (13 games).

That 2.0-point weekly advantage for Austin Ekeler is meaningful but not automatic. Fantasy football is a week-to-week sport, and the answer to "who should I start" often changes based on opponent, recent form, and game environment. Season averages set the baseline; weekly context makes the call.

Austin Ekeler is the receiving back in this matchup, turning 45 targets into 360 yards, while Gus Edwards profiles as a more traditional rusher with 468 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns. In PPR and half-PPR formats Austin Ekeler carries the higher weekly floor. In standard leagues the gap tightens considerably.

One scheduling note: Austin Ekeler is off Week 14 and Gus Edwards Week 5. If these two are on your roster, you will need a fill-in running back for both weeks. DraftCall flags bye conflicts so you can plan ahead rather than panic on waivers.

Trade Value + Dynasty Outlook

Both are in a similar trade value range. A straight swap would be fair in most leagues, with the tiebreaker going to whichever manager values schedule or bye week more. Dynasty outlook: Austin Ekeler (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open. Gus Edwards (age 27) is approaching the age where RB production historically drops. Sell-high window is open.

Did You Know?

•Austin Ekeler outscored Gus Edwards by a projected 34 total fantasy points over a full 17-game season.
•Austin Ekeler played 14 games in 2025 compared to Gus Edwards's 13. That durability gap means Austin Ekeler contributed more total fantasy points even before you look at per-game averages.
•Austin Ekeler scored 5 total touchdowns in 2025 (0.4 per game), making him one of the more reliable scoring options at running back.
•Austin Ekeler caught 45 passes in 2025. Pass-catching backs average 2-3 more PPG in half-PPR than their non-receiving counterparts.

Detailed Stat Breakdown

Austin Ekeler vs Gus Edwards: 2025 fantasy football stat comparison in the half-PPR scoring format.
Stat	Austin Ekeler	Gus Edwards
PPG (Half-PPR)	9.0	7.0
Games Played	14	13
Total Fantasy Pts (est.)	126	91
Rushing Yards	425	468
Rush Yds/Game	30.4	36.0
Rushing TDs	3	4
Receptions	45	10
Receiving Yards	360	62
Targets	0	0
Total TDs	5	4
Bye Week	Week 14	Week 5

Summary

The 2025 numbers favor Austin Ekeler at 9.0 PPG, 2.0 points per game above Gus Edwards's 7.0. But season stats only tell part of the story. DraftCall's AI factors in weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status to give you a verdict that updates with the latest data.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Should I start Austin Ekeler or Gus Edwards in fantasy football?▾

Based on 2025 season averages, Austin Ekeler has the edge at 9.0 PPG compared to Gus Edwards's 7.0 PPG. However, the best start depends on weekly matchup, recent form, and injury status. DraftCall's app provides real-time AI-powered verdicts that factor in all of these variables.

Should I draft Austin Ekeler or Gus Edwards in 2026 fantasy football?▾

Austin Ekeler is the earlier pick. He averaged 9.0 fantasy points per game in 2025 to Gus Edwards's 7.0, a 2.0 point per game edge over a full season. Positional rank, fantasy tier, and bye week are broken down below.

How many fantasy points did Austin Ekeler and Gus Edwards average in 2025?▾

Austin Ekeler averaged 9.0 fantasy points per game (half-PPR) across 14 games in 2025. Gus Edwards averaged 7.0 PPG over 13 games. That is a difference of 2.0 points per game.

When are Austin Ekeler and Gus Edwards's bye weeks in 2026?▾

Austin Ekeler (WAS) has a bye in Week 14, and Gus Edwards (LAC) has a bye in Week 5. Plan your roster accordingly if you are carrying both players.

Is Austin Ekeler or Gus Edwards a better fantasy running back in 2026?▾

Austin Ekeler outscored Gus Edwards by 2.0 PPG in 2025, which gives him the edge heading into 2026. For a week-by-week verdict, DraftCall's AI analyzes matchup quality and recent trends in real time.