Turkey legs, game balls and former teammates drafting themselves in the first round | Ekeler’s Edge
Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler and Yahoo Sports’ Fantasy Expert Liz Loza celebrate AE’s career-high 4 touchdowns in week 11 against the Steelers. No. 30 received love from his Mom, Head Coach and fantasy football fans across the globe. In honor of Thanksgiving, Liz and Austin play a game of Who’s Gonna Eat to determine whether three fantasy stars will feast in week 12. And finally Austin’s former Chargers’ backfield mate and week 12 opponent Melvin Gordon joins the show to discuss their big game, fantasy draft strategy, and Flash’s future in Denver.
Video Transcript
[MUSIC PLAYING]
AUSTIN EKELER: Do you have yourself on your own team?
MELVIN GORDON: Absolutely, first round.
[LAUGHTER]
LIZ LOZA: First round?
AUSTIN EKELER: I'm telling you. That's the only part of fantasy that I can control, right? I got to have myself.
MELVIN GORDON: That's it.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
LIZ LOZA: What is up, everyone? Welcome to "Ekeler's Edge." I'm Liz Loza, and this is, of course, Chargers running back, fantasy football superstar, and a big fan of Thanksgiving leftovers, Austin Ekeler.
AUSTIN EKELER: What is going on, Liz? Good to be back. Yeah, Thanksgiving leftovers. You know, get a little slice of ham or turkey. You put it in a dinner roll after the day of Thanksgiving. Mm. That's-- that's what I look forward to most on the food on Thanksgiving.
LIZ LOZA: Well, we've got a great show for you. We'll break down Austin's career day against the Steelers. And in honor of turkey day, we'll play a game of who's going to eat in week 12. And we'll be joined by Austin's former teammate and his Thanksgiving weekend rival, Broncos running back Melvin Gordon.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
All right, Austin, I love starting the show this way. We are going to begin with your big night last Sunday at So Fi. Not only did your Chargers get an exciting roller coaster of a win over the Steelers, but you posted a career effort 115 total yards plus four touchdowns, two on the ground and two through the air.
AUSTIN EKELER: Wow is what I got to say about that game because, man, when you've got a three score lead going into the fourth, I-- I feel pretty good. And then all of a sudden, you lose the lead. And then, oh, now we have, like, a walk-off basically by-- by Mike. For a viewing perspective as a Chargers fan, it probably doesn't get any better than that.
LIZ LOZA: We are not the only ones who loved seeing you shine. Following one of your four touchdowns, AJ Curry caught your mom's reaction in the stands. That is one happy mama.
AUSTIN EKELER: Yes. Yes. My mother is definitely my biggest fan, hands down. And that's why I get her out there every game because, you know, it's a special time. I know I won't been doing this forever. So you know, just to make that happen for her, you know, it's the least I can do.
It just makes me feel so grateful just because we've been through so much together. She's definitely a great role model for me, as far as, you know, the family aspect. And I'm very thankful to have her and to call her my mother.
LIZ LOZA: Ah. Look at us getting all warm and fuzzy on the Thanksgiving episode. It's like we planned it. Following the game, you received your second game ball of the season from head coach, Brandon Staley.
BRANDON STALEY: I-- I don't know what this guy is doing. You know, I don't know if he's, like, in it with Lombardi and Herbert for his fantasy or whatever. I know he's starting an empire. But you get four touchdowns in the National Football League, that's a heck of a day. Austin Ekeler.
[CHEERING]
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah, it's always a special moment to get a game ball. Obviously, it's a team effort. But you know, able to squeak out four touchdowns always feels definitely good. Obviously, for the fantasy as well.
It was a career day for me, as far as scoring. That really gets me excited. That's like-- it kind of reminds me why I love this game, and I love the guys, the team, all the aspects of it, the ups and downs, just all that we go through. Just moments like that are the moments that, like, stick with me. I'm like, "Man, that's why I do this."
LIZ LOZA: In your postgame press conference, you were asked how your fantasy managers are feeling after this performance.
AUSTIN EKELER: Hey, hey. They cannot be complaining tonight, you know. I actually have my-- myself on one of my fantasy teams, I think, at, like, 41. And so I was like, "Yeah." To the fantasy owners out there, hey, that was a good one for us.
To the owners out there, hey, hope you guys had a great season. I've been doing my part, I feel like. Look, there's been some ups. There's been some downs. But there's been more ups than downs.
Hey, we got seven more games left in the regular season. So let's finish it out strong. Let's get these playoffs going. And let's take it home.
LIZ LOZA: You know, I also received some reaction to your performance. Our guest last week, Tom Everett Scott, remember him? He texted me.
AUSTIN EKELER: Oh. Yes.
LIZ LOZA: He texted me and said, "It looks like Ek took umbrage with me not having him on any of my teams."
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah, if-- if I remember correctly, he was playing against me.
LIZ LOZA: That is right.
AUSTIN EKELER: Right? Yeah, so he's playing against me. So I'm glad. Look, there, now it's more of an advocate. Hey, you better trade for me.
LIZ LOZA: He said his brother-in-law crushed him. He's not going to hear the end of it.
AUSTIN EKELER: Hey. It's too late at this point. I'm-- you're not getting me now. You're definitely not getting me anymore. So you know what, Tom? Maybe next year.
LIZ LOZA: And then on Twitter, Lionel K. McDonald, Jr. wrote, "Can't wait to hear about Austin's monster game on Ekler's Edge." Love that you're watching the show, right?
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah, Lionel.
LIZ LOZA: SweetTweetDude posted this famous meme from Terrell Owens. But instead of "That's my quarterback," it said, "This is a live shot of Liz right now saying that's my running back." And my co-host. It is how I feel.
AUSTIN EKELER: I just love the space. I love the space. Even more than the competition, I just love meeting new people, interacting. Like, I would have never met Liz on this level or even the rest of the producing cast if it weren't for, you know, Yahoo coming to me and wanting to do a show. So yeah.
LIZ LOZA: Yeah.
AUSTIN EKELER: Let's go. Let's keep it going.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
LIZ LOZA: I'll give you a player and tell you who he's facing in week 12, and you tell me on a scale of 1 to 5 turkey legs just how much said player is gonna eat. Sound good?
AUSTIN EKELER: Sounds great.
LIZ LOZA: Well, let's kick it off with a player who returned from injury last week and recorded his highest tote-- total of the season. Miles Sanders is back, and the Eagles have certainly adjusted their game plan since the start of the season. So how many turkey legs are you giving him at the Giants in week 12?
AUSTIN EKELER: I think with the Eagles, I think they're starting to find their identity, right? I think they're like, "Hey, this is what works for us. This is how we're going to actually approach games." And that's Jalen Hurts, you're your own check down, right? And that's what it comes down to.
They have the most success when he's able to run the ball. And you know, having Miles Sanders back as one of their playmakers is going to definitely take some of that pressure off of him. I'm going to give him three turkey legs, which to me, is in that like-- in the teens, as far as fantasy points. What do you think, Liz?
LIZ LOZA: I'm gonna give him four turkey legs. I think Miles Sanders--
AUSTIN EKELER: Four?
LIZ LOZA: --clears 80 total yards and finds the end zone. I mean, when you got Tom Brady ripping off a run for 10 yards against these Giants, who, by the way, are allowing the fifth most fantasy points to opposing running backs, you know that Miles Sanders is going to get some runs. So he's got four of those turkey legs from me. There is always a media feeding frenzy surrounding this next player.
OBJ made his Rams debut in week 10. It didn't go great, but now he's coming off a bye and facing a Green Bay team that just got lit up by Kirk Cousins and the Vikings receivers. Do you think OBJ leaves week 12 stuffed or a little bit hungry? Since he's usually thirsty.
AUSTIN EKELER: That's a good one. I have trouble with this one because I'm like, "Man, like, he's-- he's a great player, right?" But it's like-- you-- I never know what OBJ I'm going to get, right? Is he going to be going off, or is it, you know, it's a dud and he's dropping some balls here and there, you know?
Obviously, Cooper Kupp's been balling out. So he'll still continue to be there number one over there. So yeah, I'm going to go again with three turkey legs. I think he's definitely going to get some action, get some production, maybe even find the end zone. Yeah, I think he's going to have a predominant role in this-- in this offense against Green Bay.
LIZ LOZA: I am with you. I think three turkey legs is the perfect amount of food for OBJ in week 12. That sounded very weird, but we're going to go with it. I don't think he's going to record eight catches like Adam Thielen or Justin Jefferson did last week. But I do think he could flirt with, like, five for 70 yards. And so to me, that's a three turkey leg day.
Kyle Pitts was looking legit for a minute. But he hasn't recorded more than four catches or gone over 62 yards since week seven. It seems like defenses are keying in on him and taking him away. But he's got a plus match-up in week 12 at Jacksonville. So is there a chance he can feast this Sunday?
AUSTIN EKELER: Ooh. The Falcons offense, man. Ah. It has been-- it has been a struggle. You know, zero points last week. Three points the week before that.
And as you mentioned, Kyle Pitts hasn't had more than four receptions since week seven. But the thing is, he's still their leading receiver and has the most receptions on the team, even with that stat. I think, you know, the defense is going to be able to key in on Pitts going forward. And to me, it's a little easier to actually double and take out a tight end out of the game because, you know, they're usually to closer to the blocks.
You can usually jam them and stuff like that with an end. So there's just different ways that you can really affect a tight end's game more than you could a receiver's game. That being said, I'm going to give him the double fist, two turkey legs this week.
LIZ LOZA: I'm feeling two turkey legs as well. Although, I think we have to give the Falcons, like, a whole heaping bowl of green bean casserole because that stuff is gross, and I don't need people coming at me about how it's not and how their mom makes the better one. Anyway, I'm giving Kyle Pitts two turkey legs as well because in fantasy, volume is always king. But as we're seeing in Detroit with TJ Hockenson, if there aren't any other offensive wrinkles or weaponry, to use your word, available, then it's too easy to eliminate the obvious number one.
And if Cordarrelle Patterson is still banged up, he missed last week, well, then that's even more of a feeding frenzy. So I'm with you. I think you have to start him, but I also think you have to manage your expectations. And probably when you're setting your flex, reach for one of those higher ceiling players to make up for any, you know, down play that Kyle Pitts might give you.
[MUSIC PLAYING]
We are so excited to welcome Austin's former backfield mate turned division rival whom the Chargers face this Sunday in Denver, the one and only Melvin Gordon. Thanks so much for joining us, "Flash."
MELVIN GORDON: Thanks for having me.
AUSTIN EKELER: Mel, what's good, man? Appreciate you.
MELVIN GORDON: What's happening?
LIZ LOZA: What is it like to welcome your old team into your new home stadium?
MELVIN GORDON: It's still crazy for me, however I look at it. And I think it's-- it's time, actually, kind of going up against each other, right, if I'm not mistaken?
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah, because last year, I was hurt. Yeah, it will be the first time. Let's do it, man. I'm looking forward to it.
MELVIN GORDON: Yeah, I'm excited. You know, I'm excited.
AUSTIN EKELER: Let's ball, baby. Let's see what you got. Let me see what you got, baby.
MELVIN GORDON: Let's do it. Let's do it. I see you balling, man. I'm like, "Bro, that's motivating, bro." So definitely, man. We're going to be competing. But you know, at the beginning of the game and at the end of the game, you know, it's all love. You know, no bad blood. I love seeing everybody. And you know, I got love for everyone, you know.
AUSTIN EKELER: For sure.
MELVIN GORDON: You know that.
AUSTIN EKELER: For sure. I don't actually know if you're into fantasy or have been around fantasy. I actually wanted to ask you that, if you've even ever had a fantasy team, or even looked into it, or supported that community at all.
MELVIN GORDON: I got a fantasy team right now.
AUSTIN EKELER: You got a team? OK. Let's go.
MELVIN GORDON: I'm gonna win this week, boy. Woo.
AUSTIN EKELER: That's what's up. That's what's up. Is this your first year having one or what?
MELVIN GORDON: Nah, I've-- I had one last year, and then I had stopped playing once I got in the league after my first year.
AUSTIN EKELER: Yeah.
MELVIN GORDON: And then I started back up with a bunch of friends from back home.
AUSTIN EKELER: Do you have yourself on your own team?
MELVIN GORDON: Absolutely, first round.
LIZ LOZA: Yeah. First round?
AUSTIN EKELER: I'm telling you-- I'm telling you. That's why I always say, too, like, that's the only part of fantasy that I can control, right? I got to have myself.
MELVIN GORDON: That's it.
AUSTIN EKELER: For sure. How many people do you have in your league?
MELVIN GORDON: I think we got 10 because I'm-- I'm ranked nine.
AUSTIN EKELER: OK.
MELVIN GORDON: So it's a struggle.
AUSTIN EKELER: Oh, no. Oh, no.
LIZ LOZA: You got to watch the show more often, Melvin. My goodness.
AUSTIN EKELER: Oh, no.
MELVIN GORDON: I'm making a run. I'm making a run. I'm making a run.
AUSTIN EKELER: There you go. That's what it's about.
LIZ LOZA: Well, right now, you're leading the Broncos with seven total touchdowns. And you're splitting some time with Javonte Williams, the rookie. How's that system been working out for you?
MELVIN GORDON: It's been working out good. I mean, we enjoy it. Obviously, me and him both would love more carries. You know, but it's just kind of the system that we are in right now. And we got to do what we got to do with, you know, what we get. We got a good team, though. So we enjoy it.
LIZ LOZA: You're in your last year of your deal with the Broncos. Do you want to stay in Denver?
MELVIN GORDON: Man, I want to stay here if they want me here, you know.
AUSTIN EKELER: That's right, yeah. Hey, one thing about this league is, man, hey, we go where the money goes, right?
MELVIN GORDON: Yeah.
AUSTIN EKELER: That's this league, man. We go where the money goes.
MELVIN GORDON: We go where the money, and I-- I hope they like me enough to want me to, you know, be here. And I know they got DeVonta. I feel like everything is up in the air, but I just want to do my part as a Bronco and then kind of see, you know, where everything lays and then-- when we're done.
AUSTIN EKELER: Well, I appreciate you coming on, man. Appreciate your time.
LIZ LOZA: Happy Thanksgiving.
MELVIN GORDON: Take care. Y'all be good.
LIZ LOZA: What a show. My goodness. We had four touchdowns. We had numerous turkey legs. And we had Melvin Gordon.
MELVIN GORDON:
AUSTIN EKELER: Yes. Thank you, everyone, and happy Thanksgiving.