Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz caught three passes for 28 yards in their Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ertz tied a team-high with four targets Sunday afternoon. In his regular-season debut, rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels struggled to find consistency in the passing game, which affected Ertz's fantasy output. Ertz was typically found in short range in the middle of the field as a safety valve. As Daniels gets accustomed to the professional level, Ertz should continue to see an uptick in targets. However, rookie tight end Ben Sinnott did not see a target on Sunday, solidifying Ertz's starting role in the offense. Fantasy managers looking for another value play in DFS next weekend should consider selecting Ertz, as he will face a New York Giants defense that allowed 42 yards to the Minnesota tight ends in Week 1.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin had a disappointing season debut, as he caught just two passes for 17 yards. McLaurin was targeted four times (tied for the team high) and missed a potential 70-yard score on the opening play of the second half as Jayden Daniels overthrew him. Daniels could not find a consistent rhythm as a passer on Sunday afternoon, which greatly hindered McLaurin's fantasy day. Fantasy managers should not be overly concerned with the Ohio State product's stat line, as it may take a few weeks for them to get on the same page. McLaurin should remain a solid low-end WR2/high-end WR3 entering their Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants.

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler did not see a heavy workload on the ground but caught a team-high four receptions in the season opener. Ekeler shared the spotlight with Brian Robinson Jr. throughout the preseason but saw only two carries Sunday afternoon in Tampa Bay. However, he made up for that disappointing workload through the air as he caught all four of his targets for 52 yards. Ekeler made a nice 22-yard catch-and-run play in the second quarter, which helped set the Commanders up for their first touchdown. Fantasy managers should lower expectations for Ekeler heading into Week 2 in standard scoring but give him a slight uptick in PPR as he is clearly building a connection with his rookie QB making him a low-end flex play for the time being.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. led the Commanders backfield in rushing with 40 yards and a score. He added 49 yards on three receptions. Entering the season, many expected the Commanders to deploy a committee approach, but Robinson was the clear workhorse running back in the season opener. Austin Ekeler saw just two rushing attempts but did see slightly more work in the passing game. The Alabama product found the end zone on a seven-yard carry in the second quarter. Later in the third, Robinson made an impressive 32-yard catch but was unfortunately tackled at the one-yard line which set up a rushing score for Jayden Daniels. Even though he did not finish with a hefty rushing total, seeing the vast majority of carries compared to Ekeler is an excellent sign of his fantasy stock. Fantasy managers should continue to treat Robison as a low-end RB2/flex play in Week 2 as the Commanders face their division rival, the New York Giants.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels went 17-for-24 with 184 passing yards and no scores in his regular-season debut. However, the reigning Heisman winner made his mark with his legs by tallying 88 yards and two goal-line scores on a team-high 16 carries. The Commanders did not have too much rhythm in the first half, but the former second-overall pick began to find his footing as the game progressed. In the second half, Daniels led Washington down a 60 and 70-yard touchdown drive. While his passing production did not raise his fantasy production this afternoon, his legs did. Fantasy managers should continue to start Daniels in all standard formats, given his ability to pick up points on the ground.