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While the Los Angeles Chargers will build primarily around second-year quarterback Justin Herbert, Austin Ekeler remains a critical piece of their offense. The do-everything tailback offers one of the most unique skill sets in the NFL and, after an injury-shortened 2020 campaign, returns healthy for the new season.
Here, we take a look at the prop bets on the table for Ekeler on DraftKings Sportsbook ahead of the 2021 NFL season and make our picks.
825.5 rushing yards: Over (-110) or Under (-120)
Our pick: Under
Ekeler has never topped 557 rushing yards in a season, even during his breakout 2019 campaign. The Chargers also roster several more-traditional running backs that, as a group, will limit Ekeler’s carries. That doesn’t mean the fifth-year pro won’t see a generous number of touches, but they will probably come in a different form.
6 rushing TDs: Over (+100) or Under (-160)
Our pick: Under
Since emerging as a featured weapon in the Chargers offense, Ekeler has produced a more-than-respectable number of touchdowns. However, the vast majority of those have come as a receiver, a role in which the team expects to feature him heavily again in 2021. Even with the extra game on the schedule, Ekeler will have a difficult time exceeding the total here.
1375.5 combined rushing + receiving yards: Over or Under (-115)
Our pick: Over
The last time Ekeler played a full season, he easily eclipsed 1,375 yards from scrimmage. His abilities as both a ball carrier and a receiver make him one of the most dangerous and versatile weapons in the NFL today. And starting this season, Ekeler will play in an offense built from the foundation of the New Orleans Saints system, one that has turned a similarly gifted tailback into a superstar: Alvin Kamara. If Ekeler stays reasonably healthy — never a guarantee with Chargers players — he appears well positioned to hit the over here.
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