GusEdwards

News: 3 days agoEdwards rushed 18 times for 59 yards in the Chargers' 26-3 win over the Panthers on Sunday.

Spin: Edwards actually outpaced backfield mate J.K. Dobbins by one carry but was markedly less efficient than his teammate. Nevertheless, the Chargers' ability to control both of their first two games and head coach Jim Harbaugh's penchant for the ground attack have combined to afford both backs a solid amount of opportunity to open the season. Dobbins is undoubtedly the more dynamic of the two, however, so Edwards may fall into more of a true complementary role if the game script is different in a Week 3 visit to the Steelers.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: One of the game's more underrated rushers, Edwards found himself an advantageous arrangement by signing with the Chargers. Coach Jim Harbaugh, as well as offensive coordinator Greg Roman, who served in the same role for Edwards' 2018-21 Ravens teams, are committed to a run-heavy offense. Edwards has averaged 4.9 yards and 2.07 yards after first contact per carry, as well as a 29.6% big-play rate, in his six-year NFL career, all of which rank among the position's top 20 (minimum 300 attempts) in that span. He also converted on a sparkling eight of nine goal-line tries in 2023. Because Edwards scarcely contributes in the receiving game, he's a better non-PPR pick than PPR, but he could serve as a weekly flex.