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Hi, I’m Dr. Madman. Sorry we have to meet under such difficult circumstances, here in the fantasy emergency room. We understand you are suffering from some roster discomfort. Let’s take a look. 

Your quarterback position seems to be intact. Nothing terribly wrong with your wide receiver region. Looks like your tight end is in good shape. Nothing to worry about with your defense/special teams or your kicker — though we should have a follow-up visit to discuss removing that kicker, since it is mostly just a useless appendage. 

Ah, I see your problem. If I apply a little pressure to your running back, does that hurt? Yes, we thought it would. 

It appears you are suffering from Austin Ekeler Irritation. We’ve seen this spreading throughout the fantasy community. It isn’t only among those with Austin Ekeler on their rosters. Others have complained about the inconsistent performance of Justin Herbert, others about the lack of cures for the Mike Williams Void. 

But Ekeler Irritation is among the most popular. This is a symptom of a larger problem: Chargers Dyscompetence. This has been a particularly stubborn ailment to eradicate. It was thought the introduction of Herbert into the environment a few years ago would solve the ongoing problem, but it hasn’t. 

This latest incarnation is the Brandon Staley Strain. But we’ve also seen an Anthony Lynn strain, a Mike McCoy strain, a Norv Turner strain, and so on. 

The only way to treat it is with a healthy dose of patience. We know it is hard, but it is better than the alternatives. 

Temporary bandages don’t often work. If you were to, say, sub in Chuba Hubbard, or any also-ran RB coming off a rare big week, there is a good chance that RB won’t crack the 10-point barrier in PPR next week — because that is how players like Hubbard normally produce. 

We also recommend avoiding popular alternative treatments, like using players similar to Keaton Mitchell ahead of Ekeler. Mitchell might be great, but he doesn’t get enough volume, so he is dependent on touchdowns — which are tough to come by since he is no better than third in line for Ravens goal-line carries, behind Gus Edwards and Lamar Jackson. 

Plus, just three weeks ago, Ekeler was on a streak of three straight 20-point-plus games. In the seven games since his return from an early-season ankle injury, he has averaged 14 per game in PPR. That isn’t the early-first-round production you expected, but it still puts him solidly in RB2 territory. 

But there could be some respite in the fantasy playoffs. The Chargers’ upcoming schedule features the Patriots, Broncos, Raiders, Bills then Broncos again in Weeks 13-17 — who allow a combined 4.2 per game more to RBs in PPR. That ranks as the easiest remaining schedule for RBs in the entire league. 

So rub some dirt on that sore roster spot and endure. Even if the Ekeler pain doesn’t fully go away, it should get less uncomfortable in the coming weeks. 

East street 

Russell Wilson QB, Broncos 

The Denver schedule headed into and through the fantasy playoffs is the easiest for fantasy QBs. Upcoming Broncos opponents Weeks 13-17 combine to allow 2.4 per game above the league average to QBs — a 12 percent boost for Wilson. 

Jaxon Smith-Njigba WR, Seahawks 

The upcoming schedule allows for 2.3 additional PPR per game for Seattle WRs, giving a touch better than a 6 percent bump. DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are almost certainly unavailable, but outside chance you can find Jaxon. 

Greg Dortch WR, Cardinals 

The Arizona schedule allows for an 8.2 percent boost. With Michael Wilson dealing with a shoulder issue, this is an opening for Dortch. 

David Njoku TE, Browns 

If you’re platooning Njoku at a thin TE spot, just plug him in and keep him there. He should get a 9 percent bump the rest of the way. 

Betting on the NFL?

The hard way 

Sam Howell QB, Commanders 

The bubble looks about to burst on this surprise fantasy gem. The Washington schedule suggests a 9 percent drop-off, and that doesn’t include a Week 14 bye. 

Gus Edwards RB, Ravens 

The single-digit Week 12 showing was the type of game we have been warning about. Following a bye this week, it doesn’t get much better — with a schedule that forecasts a decline of more than 13 percent in PPR production. 

Chris Godwin WR, Buccaneers 

You’re not benching Mike Evans just because the Tampa Bay schedule is roughly 8 percent harder than average the rest of the way, but that should take Godwin off the Flex radar. 

Rashee Rice WR, Chiefs 

Before you buy in wholesale after Rice’s big game Sunday against the Raiders, or Justin Watson’s breakout the week before, understand the Chiefs’ upcoming schedule is among the league’s hardest for WRs.

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