Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is shaping up to be an RB3 or flex option in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ekeler had a difficult 2023 season as he battled a high ankle sprain early on, which clearly limited him throughout the campaign. However, in the offseason, he decided to take his talents to the DMV in the hope of reclaiming fantasy stardom. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to see the majority of the passing downs in a running back committee with Alabama product Brian Robinson Jr. During the preseason, Ekeler typically replaced Robinson on third downs but did see a few red zone attempts, which is something to monitor going forward as Ekeler has always shown a nose for the end zone throughout his career. For now, fantasy managers should treat Ekeler as an RB3 with the upside to see a heavy dose of targets his way.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. should be started in all leagues as an RB2 in Week 1 as he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson is expected to be the slight leader in a committee with veteran Austin Ekeler. During the preseason, the Alabama product consistently saw the first carries of the game but was often replaced by Ekeler during third-down situations. Last season, the 25-year-old ran for 733 yards, punched in five scores, and tallied 368 yards and four scores through the air. Fantasy managers should expect Robinson to be a solid RB2 on Sunday with the upside to get goal-line work. However, expectations should be tempered slightly as the Buccaneers allowed the fifth-lowest 95.3 rushing yards per game last season.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be locked into all starting lineups as he prepares to make his regular-season debut on Sunday afternoon. The reigning Heisman trophy winner looked sharp in his limited preseason action as he went 12-for-15 with 123 yards and added 16 rushing yards and a score with his legs. In his final season at LSU, the former number-two overall pick threw for 3,812 yards with 1,134 rushing yards and 50 combined scores. Daniels will line up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who surrendered 248.9 passing yards per game, which was the fourth-most in the league last season. Fantasy managers should feel confident placing the future of the Commanders in their starting lineup as he should provide not only a safe floor but the upside to finish near the top of his position.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus is listed as a starter alongside Terry McLaurin and Luke McCaffrey to begin the 2024 campaign. This is somewhat of a surprise, but he has been gaining ground on the depth chart following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. Head coach Dan Quinn was a part of the Atlanta Falcons staff that brought Zaccheaus in as an undrafted free agent in 2019, so he has familiarity with the culture Quinn is trying to establish. Although the 27-year-old wideout has flashed at times throughout his career, his overall numbers of 104 receptions for 1,492 yards and 10 touchdowns in 72 career games aren't all that impressive. Either way, he should have his best opportunity to produce in 2024, though his upside is likely limited with rookie Jayden Daniels starting at quarterback.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was listed as one of three starting wideouts on the team's first official depth chart heading into a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, the WR2 job behind Terry McLaurin is up for grabs. McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft following his final season at Rice which saw him post just under 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey has name recognition from NFL fans thanks to his relatives who have played or are playing in the league, but his Year 1 fantasy expectations should be tempered. Washington will be led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rookies historically fail to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers. McCaffrey should be on the waiver wire watchlist, but for now, he should not be in starting lineups.