The Baltimore Ravens lost star running back J.K. Dobbins for the 2021 season. Dobbins tore his ACL during the Ravens’ final preseason game against the Washington Football Team. Baltimore will now have to rely on Gus Edwards, Ty’Son Williams, and Justice Hill to carry the load. How will each player perform in their roles? Let’s break down each RBs fantasy football outlook for 2021.
Gus Edwards – In Line For a Great Year
Gus Edwards has solidified his role with the Ravens since entering the league as an UDFA in 2018. In each of his three NFL seasons, he’s averaged at least five yards per carry. In 2020, he received the most touches in his career with 153. With Dobbins out of the picture in 2021, Gus Edwards will try to make a statement.
Going back to 2018, Gus battled Alex Collins for touches. In 11 games played (six as the starter), Edwards produced 718 rushing yards on 137 carries. Since 2018 Edwards ranks 5th in rushing grade (90.2) and yards per attempt (5.1), per PFF.
Listed at 6’1” and 238 lbs, Gus Edwards is a big body. He has the build of a workhorse RB, and we should see a lot more of him this season. With Ty’Son Williams and Justice Hill behind him, he shouldn’t have to battle for more touches. He’ll receive the majority of goal line carries as well, since he’s the biggest back they have.
The only player Gus Edwards will have to fend off is Lamar Jackson. That’s not much of a concern, however. Both J.K. Dobbins and Edwards had solid seasons in 2020, even with Lamar rushing 159 times for 1,005 yards.
Gus reaching 200 carries and over 1,000 yards rushing is definitely possible in 2021. He could also total 8-10 touchdowns on the year with Dobbins out. Expect a lot of work for Gus Edwards this season. He is a safe bet to take in your fantasy football drafts.
Ty’Son Williams – The Gus Edwards Role
With Gus leading the Ravens backfield this season, someone has to take his role as the complimentary back in their offense. Ty’Son Williams fits that role.
Williams has a slight edge over Justice Hill due to his size alone. Listed at 6’, 220 lbs, Williams is capable of handling a larger workload. Look for Ty’Son to make the most out of his opportunity with the Ravens. He won’t be a consistent option for fantasy football lineups, but if an injury occurs he most likely is the next man up.
Realistically, Ty’Son could see between 80-100 carries with 350-400 rushing yards in 2021. He’s worthy of a late round flier in deep leagues.
Justice Hill – RB3?
Justice Hill has had a disappointing start to his NFL career. He saw most of his carries in his rookie season (58) but only averaged 3.9 yards per carry. He only received 12 carries in 12 games in 2020. It seems like Hill hasn’t impressed Baltimore enough to warrant more touches. If It weren’t for Dobbins being out, Hill might not have earned a roster spot.
Being the smallest back in Baltimore, Hill’s touchdown projection isn’t appealing. He’s not likely to get any work near the goal line. Unless an injury occurs, the Ravens will use him minimally in their offense.
Ignore Justice Hill unless you play in a deeper league. Being the third running back on the Ravens’ depth chart, Hill’s production will have no impact for your fantasy football team(s). He’s not worth stashing.
Conclusion
Gus Edwards is the running back you want to draft out of this backfield. He should find success in the Ravens’ run-heavy offense, and receive the majority of goal line work. There’s potential for Edwards to finish as a top-20 fantasy football RB in 2021.
Ty’Son Williams is a nice bench stash/handcuff to add to your roster. He could see enough work to warrant possible flex numbers some weeks. He most likely won’t be startable in most leagues.
Justice Hill isn’t worth drafting. He’ll see the least amount of touches out of the group. Being the smallest out of the group as well, you can’t depend on him to score touchdowns for your team either. Fade Justice Hill.
