After week one, many people are talking about the Chargers running backs. Most of the recent talk has been about JK Dobbins, who ran for 136 yards against the Raiders in week one. However, multiple other options could take carries away from the third-leading rusher in the NFL this early on. Fantasy owners have questions about who will be reliable throughout the season. Chargers fans want to know who will be taking the majority of touches on this run-first offense. Here is a deep dive into the main RBs of this Chargers offense.
First off is the previously mentioned Dobbins. Dobbins looked amazing in his return to play after an Achilles injury early in the 2023 season. Averaging 13 yards per carry, Dobbins showed why he could be the Chargers’ undisputed RB1 by the end of the season. However, there are still concerns for him moving forward. Injuries have plagued the last three seasons of his career, and there is no knowing what may keep him out in the future. Even if Dobbins stays on the field, Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman may limit his carries to an extent that prevents him from missing time. Of course, there is a world where there are no restrictions on him all season. If that is the case, he could end up one of the league’s best backs and a real comeback player of the year contender.
The other main back in this Chargers offense is Gus Edwards. Edwards came into the season but will likely split carries evenly with JK Dobbins (at best). Edwards’ ceiling is not as high as that of Dobbins, but he is a reliable RB in the backfield when the offense needs an inside run for a yard or two. He is also more reliable when it comes to injury and fits the system of this Chargers offense. Overall, there is no way Gus Edwards will fall out of the RB rotation, but his ceiling is not nearly as high as JK Dobbins’ this season.
The third RB who could make a name for himself on this roster is rookie Kimani Vidal. The former Troy RB was taken by LA in the sixth round of this year’s draft and could be great if given the opportunity. Vidal has good potential as a three-down back and if one of the top two backs go down with injury, he would be sure to take advantage of the chance. This makes the rookie a good pick-up in Fantasy for any owner looking for a high-upside RB.
