Commanders RB Austin Ekeler makes bold fantasy prediction for 2024

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler has been one of the more outspoken players in the NFL when it comes to fantasy football.

When it comes to the 2024 season, the 29-year-old believes his change of scenery could help him return to his RB1 status.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero asked Ekeler whether fantasy owners be looking to select the veteran back in the first round this year and he responded with one word.

Ekeler's response: " Yes ."

The former San Diego Chargers back will have more doubters than ever this year coming off an underwhelming campaign in which he rushed for just 628 yards and five touchdowns while battling injuries. He also reeled in 51 catches for 436 yards and one touchdown across 14 games played.

"I guess it's little tough because in the fantasy world you're judged off your last season," Ekeler explained. "But when Austin Ekeler has been healthy on the field, he has produced. And so that's the same thing going forward here. If I'm healthy, I'm going to be on the field and I'm going to be producing. You've seen what it looks like when I produce, so you're going to want me on your team."

Another reason for Ekeler's increase in doubters is due to his recent comments about his departure for the Chargers.

He said that carrying the football 300 times a year was " not [his] game ," though he has since cleared up any confusion.

"There's been this controversy out there, like, 'Oh Austin said he doesn't want 300 carries, cause that's what the Chargers said,'" Ekeler said. "I've never had that many carries ever. So, I don't know why everybody's in an uproar. It's not that I don't want to touch the ball. It's the way that I've had the most production is when I'm able to split between catching and running the ball."

Ekeler has a point. He has never had a 300-carry season in his seven-year NFL career, with 206 the most he's ever had in a season (which came in 2021).

This season, Ekeler will be given every opportunity to return to his top fantasy status now paired up with running back Brian Robinson in Washington. The question is, who will be willing to take a gamble on Ekeler in their drafts?