The first free agency move of the new Jim Harbaugh/Joe Horitz regime in Los Angeles was officially reuniting Gus Edwards with offensive coordinator Greg Roman. The Chargers signed the potential fantasy football sleeper to a two-year, $6.5 million contract in the same free agency cycle that they allowed three pillars of the former offensive regimes to leave town (Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen). The running back finds himself in a great situation to produce immediately.
Below, we’ll take a look at how Edwards can produce in the Chargers offense in 2024. Edwards is currently coming off the board with an average draft position (ADP) of 10.02. As the RB36 in drafts, he has several ways to outkick his current ADP, making him a fantasy football sleeper in PPR and non-PPR leagues this season.
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Gus Edwards RB Profile
Edwards’ moderate achievements leading up to the 2023 season did not foreshadow the most fruitful year in his career so far. Not only was he fantasy viable, but he was even a consistent RB2/3 option due to his new-found goal-line work.
With the team becoming more conservative with Lamar Jackson’s usage from within the five-yard line, the Ravens turned to their 6’1”, 238-pound back to handle a league-high 23 goal-line attempts in ‘23.
While Edwards had only run 479 routes over his five-year sample with Baltimore, we’ll see if his role changes at all in Los Angeles.
*Take a look at Pranav Rajaram’s full player profile here*
Fantasy Football Sleeper: An ADP Bargain
Though the Chargers are missing the second-highest percentage of running back targets from last season (91.4%), it was likely Edwards’ former (and current) offensive coordinator, Greg Roman, was the one who pined for him to jump to the West Coast in the first place.
We can assume that this means his role will be incredibly similar to the one he just had, as the two have been working together for the entirety of Edwards’ career.
With the max exodus of aging pass-catching options, including one of the best receiving backs in NFL history, there is still an opportunity for upside for the newest Charger, though.
Even before Roman’s time with the Ravens, he was tied to Harbaugh in the 2011-2014 seasons with the 49ers. Those teams ranked in the top seven of team rushing percentage in all four years, with three finishes in the top three. Those numbers aren’t adjusted for game situation —being that it was 14 years ago— but it gives a broad view of how Roman has preferred to run his offense, even on teams that didn’t have Lamar Jackson at the helm.
*Check out 4for4’s Award-Winning Rankings Here*
You can check out Justin Edwards’ complete write-up on Gus Edwards at 4for4:
What is a fantasy football sleeper?
A fantasy football sleeper refers to a player who is typically undervalued or overlooked during the drafting process but has the potential to exceed expectations and provide significant fantasy production.
How can I find running back fantasy football sleepers for the 2024 season?
Some running back sleepers for the 2024 fantasy football season include breakout candidates, rookie players who could have a significant impact, and players who are expected to take on larger roles in their respective backfields.
What factors should I consider when evaluating a fantasy football sleeper?
When evaluating a sleeper for fantasy football, you should consider factors such as their potential role in their team’s offense, their past performance and production, any changes in their situation (such as a new team or coaching staff), and their overall talent and skill set.
Is it a good strategy to target fantasy football sleepers in drafts?
Targeting sleepers in fantasy football drafts can be a good strategy, as it allows you to potentially find undervalued players who can provide significant fantasy production. However, it is important to also balance your roster with more established and consistent players.
How can I identify potential fantasy football sleepers 2024?
To identify potential sleepers in fantasy football, you can research players who have the potential for increased playing time, those who are in favorable offensive systems, those who have had strong performances in previous seasons, and those who may be flying under the radar due to various reasons.
Who is running back Gus Edwards?
With Austin Ekeler vacating 230 touches, the Chargers had a big need at running back and Gus Edwards can run the ball. Prior to 2023, Edwards had never averaged less than 5.0 yards per carry, though he posted a career-low 4.1 yards per carry last season.
Jim Harbaugh likes to run the ball, so Edwards could be the centerpiece of the rushing attack or perhaps part of a 1-2 punch in the backfield with either J.K. Dobbins or rookie Kimani Vidal. Entering his age-29 season, he should have a couple of productive seasons left.
Who are some current RB fantasy football sleeper candidates going outside of the top ten rounds?
Some options for fantasy managers might include Jerome Ford, Trey Benson, or J.K. Dobbins.
Who are some other top fantasy football wide receiver sleepers in PPR leagues?
Some sleeper wide receiver picks for fantasy leagues include Curtis Samuel, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Joshua Palmer.
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