Gus Edwards Fantasy Outlook Provides Value as Reliable J.K. Dobbins Handcuff

The Baltimore Ravens proved that they value running back Gus Edwards as an important part of their backfield when they signed him to a two-year, $10 million contract back in June. Sophomore J.K. Dobbins might be the team's No. 1 back, but that doesn't change the fact that Edwards' role on the team is significant.

He holds a lot of fantasy value as a handcuff.

Gus Edwards Fantasy Outlook

Edwards has been nothing but consistent over his first three NFL seasons, rushing for at least 700 yards in each campaign. What's remarkable is that he's put up those numbers despite starting just 13 games in his career.

Even though he competed with Dobbins and quarterback Lamar Jackson for carriers last year, Edwards still finished 2020 with 723 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Ravens backfield may not be as cut and dry as it seems. While Dobbins might be listed as the No. 1 running back on the roster, he only rushed for more than 80 yards twice last year and the second time wasn't until Week 17 against the Cincinnati Bengals. He should continue seeing the most touches to start the year, but the door is open for Edwards to steal some of them if Dobbins can't remain consistent or healthy.

Even if Dobbins proves that his strong end to the 2020 campaign wasn't a fluke, Edwards still has a lot of value. No team average more than Baltimore's 34.6 rushing attempts per game last year, which gives Edwards a decent floor as a backup running back. And if Dobbins ever went down, Edwards could find himself in the RB1 conversation pretty quickly.

Gus Edwards ADP

FantasyPros has Gus Edwards listed as RB42 with an average draft position (ADP) of 115.8. He's listed as RB44 on The Duel's fantasy football rankings.

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