Which Running Back Is The Better Pick: Aaron Jones Or Austin Ekeler?
Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler: Who's the Better Fantasy Football Pick?
When it comes to fantasy football, running backs are always a hot commodity. And this year, there are two players who are shaping up to be among the best: Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. But which one should you draft?
Jones, 27, is entering his sixth season with the Green Bay Packers. He's coming off a career year in which he rushed for 1,121 yards and nine touchdowns, and also caught 52 passes for 391 yards and six touchdowns. Ekeler, 26, is entering his fifth season with the Los Angeles Chargers. He's coming off a season in which he rushed for 911 yards and 12 touchdowns, and also caught 70 passes for 647 yards and eight touchdowns.
So, who's the better pick? It depends on what you're looking for. If you want a workhorse running back who can handle a heavy workload, Jones is your guy. He's averaged 200 carries per season over the past three years, and he's shown that he can be productive even when he's not getting a lot of help from his offensive line.
If you're looking for a more versatile running back who can make plays in the passing game as well, Ekeler is your guy. He's one of the best pass-catching running backs in the NFL, and he's also a threat to score every time he touches the ball.
Ultimately, the decision of who to draft between Jones and Ekeler is up to you. But both players are great options, and they could help you win your fantasy football league this year.
Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler
When considering the essential aspects of Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, several key factors come into play:
- Rushing yards
- Touchdowns
- Receptions
- Receiving yards
- Age
- Offensive line
- Team offense
- Draft position
These aspects are crucial in evaluating the overall performance and value of these players in fantasy football. Rushing yards and touchdowns are primary indicators of a running back's production, while receptions and receiving yards showcase their involvement in the passing game. Age can impact a player's durability and longevity, while the offensive line and team offense can influence their productivity. Draft position is also important, as it determines the opportunity cost of selecting one player over another.
By carefully considering these key aspects, fantasy football managers can make informed decisions about whether to draft Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler. Both players offer unique strengths and weaknesses, and the best choice depends on individual team needs and strategies.
1. Rushing Yards
In the realm of fantasy football, rushing yards hold immense significance in evaluating running backs. They represent the distance a running back gains by carrying the ball, directly impacting their fantasy point totals. When assessing Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, rushing yards become a crucial metric for determining their productivity and value.
- Volume: Rushing yards often correlate with the number of carries a running back receives. A high volume of carries indicates that the player is heavily involved in the team's offensive scheme, increasing their chances of accumulating yards and scoring touchdowns.
- Efficiency: Rushing yards per attempt (YPC) is a key indicator of a running back's efficiency. A high YPC suggests that the player is capable of gaining yards consistently, maximizing their production on a per-carry basis.
- Touchdowns: While rushing yards are valuable, touchdowns carry even greater weight in fantasy football scoring. Running backs who score touchdowns consistently provide a significant boost to their fantasy teams.
- Game Script: The game script can influence rushing yards. In games where the team is trailing, they may abandon the run in favor of passing, limiting the opportunities for running backs to accumulate yards.
In the context of Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, both players have demonstrated impressive rushing yardage totals in recent seasons. Jones has consistently surpassed 1,000 rushing yards, while Ekeler has shown the ability to produce over 900 rushing yards. Their respective performances in this category will be closely monitored by fantasy football managers when making draft decisions.
2. Touchdowns
In the realm of fantasy football, touchdowns hold immense significance in evaluating running backs. They represent the pinnacle of offensive production, directly impacting a player's fantasy point totals. When assessing Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, touchdowns become a crucial metric for determining their value and potential.
- Red Zone Efficiency: Touchdowns often reflect a running back's ability to perform in high-pressure situations within the red zone. Players with a high touchdown rate demonstrate their knack for finding the end zone and capitalizing on scoring opportunities.
- Goal-Line Carries: In certain offensive schemes, specific running backs are designated as the primary ball carrier near the goal line. These players have an increased chance of scoring touchdowns due to their proximity to the end zone.
- Receiving Touchdowns: While rushing touchdowns are more common, running backs can also score touchdowns through receptions. Players who are actively involved in the passing game have the potential to add to their touchdown totals through this avenue.
- Game Script: The game script can influence touchdown opportunities. In games where the team is trailing, they may abandon the run in favor of passing, reducing the likelihood of running backs scoring touchdowns.
In the context of Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, both players have proven to be reliable touchdown producers. Jones has consistently scored double-digit touchdowns in recent seasons, while Ekeler has shown a knack for finding the end zone through both rushing and receiving.
3. Receptions
Receptions play a significant role in evaluating the versatility and overall value of running backs, including Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. In recent years, the NFL has witnessed a growing trend of running backs being heavily involved in the passing game, making receptions a crucial aspect of fantasy football scoring.
- Pass-Catching Ability: Some running backs possess exceptional pass-catching skills, allowing them to line up in various formations and contribute as receivers. Their ability to catch passes out of the backfield or in the slot makes them valuable assets in PPR (points per reception) scoring formats.
- Offensive Scheme: The offensive scheme employed by a team can greatly influence a running back's involvement in the passing game. Teams that utilize pass-happy offenses typically feature running backs who are actively involved in the passing game, increasing their opportunities for receptions.
- Targets: The number of targets a running back receives is a key indicator of their role in the passing game. Running backs who are targeted frequently have a higher likelihood of accumulating receptions and contributing to their fantasy team's success.
- Yards per Reception: While receptions are important, the yards gained per reception also impact a running back's fantasy value. Running backs who consistently gain significant yardage after the catch can provide a boost to their fantasy teams.
In the context of Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler, both players have demonstrated their abilities as pass-catching running backs. Ekeler, in particular, has emerged as one of the most prolific pass-catching running backs in the NFL, consistently ranking among the league leaders in receptions and receiving yards.
4. Receiving yards
Receiving yards play a crucial role in evaluating the overall production and value of running backs, including Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. In modern football, running backs are increasingly being utilized as pass-catching threats out of the backfield, making receiving yards a significant component of their fantasy football value.
For Aaron Jones, receiving yards have become an integral part of his game. In recent seasons, he has emerged as a reliable target in the passing game, consistently ranking among the top running backs in receptions and receiving yards. His ability to line up in the slot and run routes effectively has made him a valuable asset in PPR (points per reception) scoring formats.
Similarly, Austin Ekeler has established himself as one of the most prolific pass-catching running backs in the NFL. His quickness and agility allow him to create separation from defenders, and his soft hands make him a dependable target for his quarterback. Ekeler's involvement in the passing game has significantly boosted his fantasy value, making him a highly sought-after player in PPR leagues.
The importance of receiving yards for running backs cannot be overstated. In PPR formats, every reception adds valuable points to a player's total. Running backs who can consistently gain yards after the catch can provide a significant boost to their fantasy teams, especially in games where the passing game is the primary focus.
When evaluating Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler for fantasy football, it is essential to consider their receiving yards potential. Their ability to contribute in both the running and passing games makes them versatile and valuable assets. Fantasy managers who prioritize receiving yards should give strong consideration to players like Jones and Ekeler, who have proven their ability to produce in this area.
5. Age
In the realm of fantasy football, age is an important factor to consider when evaluating running backs, including Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. While both players are currently in their prime, their age may begin to impact their performance in the coming seasons.
As running backs get older, they may experience a decline in their physical abilities, including speed, agility, and durability. This can lead to a decrease in their production, both as rushers and receivers. Additionally, older running backs may be more susceptible to injuries, which can further limit their availability and effectiveness.
In the case of Aaron Jones, who is 27 years old, he has shown no signs of slowing down. He has consistently produced at a high level in recent seasons, and there is no reason to believe that he will not continue to do so in the short term. However, as he enters his late 20s, it is reasonable to expect that his performance may start to decline at some point.
Austin Ekeler, who is 26 years old, is a bit younger than Jones. He is also coming off a career year in which he set career highs in rushing yards, touchdowns, receptions, and receiving yards. Ekeler's youth and versatility give him a slight edge over Jones in terms of long-term potential. However, it is important to note that even the most talented running backs typically begin to decline in their early 30s.
Ultimately, the impact of age on Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler is difficult to predict. Both players are still in their prime, but it is important to be aware of the potential risks associated with drafting older running backs. Fantasy managers should carefully consider the age of these players when making their draft decisions.
6. Offensive line
The offensive line plays a crucial role in the success of running backs, including Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler. The offensive line is responsible for creating holes in the defense for running backs to run through, and for protecting the quarterback from being sacked. A strong offensive line can make a good running back great, and a weak offensive line can make even the best running back ineffective.
Both Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler have benefited from playing behind strong offensive lines. The Packers' offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL in recent years, and the Chargers' offensive line has also been solid. This has allowed both Jones and Ekeler to produce at a high level, as they have been able to consistently find holes to run through and have had time to make plays in the passing game.
The importance of the offensive line cannot be overstated. Running backs are heavily reliant on their offensive line to create running lanes and protect them from defenders. Without a strong offensive line, even the most talented running backs will struggle to produce. Conversely, a strong offensive line can make an average running back look like a star.
When evaluating Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler for fantasy football, it is important to consider the strength of their respective offensive lines. A strong offensive line can give both players a significant boost in production, while a weak offensive line can limit their potential.
7. Team offense
The success of running backs, including Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler, is heavily influenced by the performance of their team's offense. A high-scoring offense with a balanced attack can create more opportunities for running backs to score points and produce fantasy points. Conversely, a struggling offense can limit a running back's production, regardless of their individual talent.
- Offensive scheme: The offensive scheme employed by a team can greatly impact a running back's fantasy value. Teams that utilize a pass-heavy offense may not feature their running backs as prominently in the passing game, limiting their opportunities for receptions and receiving yards. On the other hand, teams that employ a more balanced offense may provide their running backs with more opportunities to contribute in both the running and passing games.
- Quarterback play: The performance of the quarterback can also affect a running back's fantasy production. A quarterback who is able to consistently move the ball down the field and score points can create more scoring opportunities for running backs. Conversely, a quarterback who struggles to move the ball may limit the number of scoring opportunities for running backs.
- Offensive line play: As discussed earlier, the offensive line plays a crucial role in the success of running backs. A strong offensive line can create more running lanes for running backs and protect them from defenders, allowing them to produce more yards and touchdowns. Conversely, a weak offensive line can make it difficult for running backs to find holes and gain yards, limiting their fantasy production.
- Pass protection: In addition to creating running lanes, the offensive line is also responsible for protecting the quarterback from being sacked. If the offensive line is unable to provide adequate pass protection, the quarterback may be forced to scramble or throw the ball away, limiting the number of opportunities for running backs to catch passes and score points.
When evaluating Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler for fantasy football, it is important to consider the performance of their team's offense. A strong offense with a balanced attack can provide both players with more opportunities to produce fantasy points, while a struggling offense can limit their potential. Fantasy managers should carefully consider the offensive scheme, quarterback play, offensive line play, and pass protection when making their draft decisions.
8. Draft position
Draft position plays a crucial role in the success of fantasy football teams. The position in which a player is drafted directly influences their value and potential impact on a team's overall performance. In the context of Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler, draft position can have a significant impact on their fantasy value.
Generally speaking, players who are drafted earlier have a higher perceived value and are expected to perform at a higher level. This is because these players are typically seen as having more upside and potential than players who are drafted later. In the case of Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler, both players are typically drafted in the early to middle rounds of fantasy drafts. This indicates that they are both highly valued by fantasy managers and are expected to be key contributors to their respective teams.
However, draft position can also be influenced by a variety of factors, including team needs, injuries, and bye weeks. For example, if a team has a weak running back lineup, they may be more likely to draft Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler earlier than they would if they had a strong running back lineup. Similarly, if a player is injured or has a bye week early in the season, their draft position may be lower than it would be otherwise.Ultimately, the draft position of Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler will depend on a variety of factors. However, fantasy managers should be aware of the importance of draft position when making their draft decisions. By carefully considering the draft position of these players, fantasy managers can increase their chances of drafting a team that will be successful throughout the season.
FAQs
When considering Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler for fantasy football, several common questions arise. This FAQ section addresses these questions, providing concise and informative answers to guide fantasy managers in their decision-making process.
Question 1:Which player has a better overall track record?
Answer: Aaron Jones has a slight edge in terms of overall track record. He has been a consistent producer throughout his career, averaging over 1,000 rushing yards per season since 2019. Ekeler, on the other hand, has only emerged as a top fantasy option in recent years.
Question 2:Who is more involved in the passing game?
Answer: Austin Ekeler is more involved in the passing game than Aaron Jones. Ekeler has consistently ranked among the top running backs in receptions and receiving yards, while Jones has been primarily used as a rusher.
Question 3:Which player has a better offensive line?
Answer: Aaron Jones has a better offensive line than Austin Ekeler. The Packers' offensive line has been one of the best in the NFL in recent years, while the Chargers' offensive line has been more inconsistent.
Question 4:Who is more likely to score touchdowns?
Answer: Aaron Jones is more likely to score touchdowns than Austin Ekeler. Jones has consistently scored double-digit touchdowns in recent seasons, while Ekeler's touchdown totals have been more variable.
Question 5:Which player is a better value in fantasy drafts?
Answer: Austin Ekeler is a better value in fantasy drafts than Aaron Jones. Ekeler is typically drafted in the second or third round, while Jones is typically drafted in the first or second round. Ekeler offers similar production to Jones at a lower draft cost.
In summary, both Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler are excellent fantasy football options. Jones offers a more consistent track record and a higher likelihood of scoring touchdowns, while Ekeler is more involved in the passing game and offers better value in fantasy drafts. Fantasy managers should carefully consider their team's needs and preferences when choosing between these two players.
Transition to the next article section:
Having explored the key aspects and FAQs surrounding Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler, let's now delve into a comparative analysis of their respective strengths and weaknesses to further aid fantasy managers in their decision-making process.
Conclusion
The choice between Aaron Jones and Austin Ekeler for fantasy football ultimately depends on individual team needs and preferences. Both players offer unique strengths and weaknesses, and fantasy managers should carefully consider these factors when making their draft decisions.Aaron Jones is a consistent producer who has emerged as one of the most reliable running backs in the NFL. He is a workhorse who can handle a heavy workload and is a threat to score touchdowns both as a rusher and receiver. However, Jones may be more susceptible to injury due to his physical running style.Austin Ekeler, on the other hand, is a versatile playmaker who is heavily involved in the passing game. He is a dynamic threat who can line up in various formations and contribute as a receiver out of the backfield. Ekeler's pass-catching ability gives him a higher floor than Jones in PPR formats, but he may be more reliant on game script and quarterback play for his production.Ultimately, the best decision for fantasy managers is the player who best fits their team's needs and strategy. Aaron Jones is a safer, more consistent option, while Austin Ekeler offers a higher ceiling with his pass-catching ability. By carefully considering the key aspects and FAQs outlined in this article, fantasy managers can make informed decisions about whether to draft Aaron Jones or Austin Ekeler and maximize their chances of fantasy football success.Article Recommendations
