Week 5 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Gus Edwards gets change-of-pace work behind starter Mark Ingram and he’s a quality backup running back, averaging 4.5 yards on 33 carries so far this season. However, Edwards is purely a handcuff, as he’s unlikely to see double-digit touches in any game where the Ravens aren’t blowing out the opponent. He’s averaged 6.3 touches over his last three games, and he should only be rostered as a handcuff to Ingram in most leagues.
Week 4 vs. Cleveland Browns
Gus Edwards got some change-of-pace work again behind Mark Ingram and looked effective on his way to 53 yards on seven carries. He also had a pair of catches for 15 yards in the passing game. Edwards could be valuable in games where the Ravens blow out the other team, but I think the nine touches he got against the Chiefs in Week 3 are a best-case scenario for the second-year back out of Rutgers. He’s a handcuff only.
Week 3 at Kansas City Chiefs
Gus Edwards had three carries for 11 yards last week in a backup role behind Mark Ingram. While Edwards certainly has value as a handcuff, should anything happen to Ingram, his fantasy value is limited to that capacity. Unless the Ravens are blowing out an opponent like they did the Dolphins in Week 1, it’s hard to imagine Edwards getting consistent enough work to warrant a roster spot in most leagues.
Week 2 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Gus Edwards had 17 carries for 56 yards last week against the Dolphins. Fantasy owners shouldn’t get too excited about his workload, however, as much of those carries occurred after the Ravens already had the game well in hand on their way to a 59-10 blowout victory. In a tight game, it’s unlikely Edwards will receive this type of work, and he should be considered a handcuff at best in all fantasy leagues. The Cardinals might not be any good either, but they should put up a better fight than Miami did. He should remain on waivers in most leagues.
Wildcard Round vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards had only 12 carries for 76 yards last week against the Browns, but he averaged 6.3 yards per carry, helping him to a 5.2-yard season average, fifth in the league among qualified rushers. Edwards’ production has helped him maintain a steady workload through the second half of the season, and he should continue to get plenty of two-down work in the Ravens’ rushing attack throughout the playoffs.
This week, Edwards faces a Chargers defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. Edwards ran for 92 yards and caught a 13-yard pass – only his second reception of the season – when these two teams faced off two weeks ago, and his production this week should be similar. Edwards is a solid RB2 option with a high floor and a low ceiling this week.
Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns
Gus Edwards had 14 carries for 92 yards last week against the Chargers. While not putting up huge numbers, Edwards has averaged 5.1 yards per carry this season and has put up double-digit fantasy points in four out of six games as a starter since taking over the full-time job from Alex Collins. He doesn’t catch passes, but he’s clearly the primary runner for the Ravens.
This week, Edwards faces a Browns defense that has been a little below average against running backs this season, allowing 14 rushing touchdowns to the position. Expect another full workload for Edwards, giving him a high floor in standard league formats. He still offers very little in the passing game, but his touches make him at least a low-end RB2 in most leagues, with a little less value in PPR formats.
Week 16 at Los Angeles Chargers
Gus Edwards had another full workload last week against the Buccaneers and finished with 19 carries for 104 yards and a touchdown. Edwards has been non-existent on passing downs this season, but he’s had three games with at least 100 yards rushing out of his last four starts. Edwards is averaging 5.0 yards per carry, and if he can continue to be productive running the ball, he’ll keep getting touches on first and second down.
This week, Edwards faces a Chargers defense that has allowed the ninth-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season, including 11 rushing touchdowns. Expect a high floor for Edwards, particularly in standard league formats, as he’ll likely get another full workload. He has limited upside in PPR leagues though.
Week 15 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Gus Edwards had only 67 yards last week against the Chiefs, but he had 16 carries and still seems to be the primary ball-carrier for the Ravens. While Kenneth Dixon and Ty Montgomery are also getting work, Edwards’ 4.8 yards per carry on the season should keep him involved in the offense.
This week, Edwards has some RB2 upside, particularly in standard league formats, against a Buccaneers defense that has allowed fifth-most fantasy points to the running back position this year. While Edwards has a low ceiling, particularly in PPR formats, he also has a high floor because of his likely workload in a great matchup. He’s a low-end RB2 option this week.
Week 14 at Kansas City Chiefs
Gus Edwards had a modest 82 yards on 21 carries last week against the Falcons as he continued his role as the primary ball-carrier for the Ravens. Edwards has only scored one touchdown since taking over the starting role three games ago, but has averaged 20.3 carries and 105 yards during that span. He has only caught one reception all season, so his value is limited in PPR formats, but in standard leagues, he could be an RB2 for the remainder of the season.
This week, Edwards faces a Chiefs defense that has allowed the second-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season. That’s largely helped by six touchdowns and 809 yards in the passing game, but Edwards should still be able to put together a solid game. He’s better in standard leagues, but he has low-end RB2 potential if the Ravens defense can keep the offense from needing to abandon the run early on.
Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons
Gus Edwards filled in for the injured Alex Collins last week against the Raiders and had his second straight game with over 100 yards on the ground. He’s carried the ball 40 times over the last two weeks, averaging an impressive 5.8 yards per carry in the process. If Edwards continues to get this kind of workload, he’s the kind of player who can win fantasy leagues.
This week, Edwards faces a Falcons defense that has allowed the third-most fantasy points to opposing running backs this season and gave up 5.64 yards per carry to the tandem of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara last week. While Edwards isn’t a lock for a full workload, a nice matchup and good recent play should give him every opportunity to shine again. He’s a risky RB2 option with upside this week.
