Austin Ekeler 2022 Prop Bets: Rushing Yards, TD Predictions

Austin Ekeler has been solid his entire NFL career, but he finally burst onto the scene in a huge way last season. Ekeler was the Chargers’ top rushing threat, and he had a fantastic season. Last year, Ekeler had 911 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. 

Injuries hindered Ekeler in 2020, but he was healthy for 16 of 17 games last season and he showed the NFL world how much of a threat he is. Ekeler also does work in the passing game, so his scrimmage yard numbers are even more impressive. He is a great player in an offense that allows him to utilize his unique skill set to the max. 

According to DraftKings Sportsbook, Ekeler’s 2022 rushing yard prop is set at 800.5 yards and his rushing touchdown prop is set at 8.5 scores. Oddsmakers are expecting Ekeler to regress in both rushing categories next season. Will oddsmakers be correct to assume regression, or is Ekeler still on the rise? 

The Chargers’ offensive line got stronger this off-season, but LA also drafted Isiah Spiller to bolster their backfield. Ekeler is certainly still the No. 1 option for the Chargers’ backfield, but it is also safe to assume he does not go too far over his 206 carries from last year. 

Let’s break down Austin Ekeler’s 2022 prop bets and see if there is value in Ekeler going over or under his set totals for this season.

Austin Ekeler Prop Bets for 2022

(All odds via DraftKings Sportsbook)

How Many Rushing Yards with Austin Ekeler Have in 2022?

(Over 800.5; -115)
Ekeler is the Chargers’ No. 1 rushing option, but he is also so skilled in the passing game that he does not need to rely on touches to be successful. However, since we are looking at just Ekeler’s rushing props for this season, it is important to differentiate the opportunities he can get on the ground versus the air. I expect Ekeler to still be utilized as a true running back in situations and he should go over this total. 

The Chargers have an improved offensive line from last year, and this unit should create more holes for Ekeler to run the ball. Ekeler’s longest rush was only 28 yards last season, but he is still a threat to take it to the house on almost any given play. Defenses also need to hone in on Herbert and his receivers, leaving light boxes for Ekeler to take advantage of. 

My biggest cause for concern for this prop bet is Isaiah Spiller carving out a role in the Chargers’ offense. By no means do I expect him to supplant Ekeler as the Chargers’ No.1 rushing option, but Spiller has game and will carve out a role in Los Angeles this year. However, Spiller will most likely take over snaps that backup running backs took last year anyway, so I do not see him as a true threat to Ekeler. 

800.5 yards is not a ton, so if Ekeler stays healthy, this number should certainly be achievable. 
 

How Many Rushing Touchdowns Will Austin Ekeler Have in 2022?

(Under 8.5; -110)

Ekeler hit pay dirt 12 times last season on the ground, and oddsmakers are anticipating a regression in this area. Based on the situation in Los Angeles this upcoming season, I agree with the oddsmakers. There are too many other options on the Chargers — and this too much a pass-first offense — for Ekeler to score more than nine touchdowns on the ground next year. 

The Chargers had the No. 2 passing offense in the NFL last year, and they should be near the top of the NFL again. Having such a high-volume passing attack does lead to red zone opportunities for running backs, but in the Chargers’ case, they have too many weapons to rely solely on the ground game in the red zone. Also, Ekeler has receiving chops, and it is likely the Chargers look to get him the ball on screen passes to score and not on straight red zone rushing attempts. 

Ekeler eclipsed this total just one time in his career, and in all his other NFL seasons, he has had more receiving touchdowns than rushing touchdowns. Ekeler is a threat due to his receiving ability. It is hard to see Ekeler following up 12 rushing touchdowns with another high touchdown output again this season. 

How to Bet Austin Ekeler Props

If you are looking to bet on props such as rushing yards or rushing touchdowns, FTNBets has all the tools to get you started. Sign up for an account with a sportsbook using our affiliate links and take a deep dive into the NFL futures markets that are offered. 

Austin Ekeler’s rushing yard prop for the 2022 season is set at 800.5 yards, and this over has a -115 vig. This means that in order to win $100, you would need to bet $115 that Ekeler will have more than 800.5 rushing yards. 

Check out the FTN Bets Parlay Calculator to see how much you’d win based on the odds and amount wagered.