Team Profile
Washington Commanders
-
13.4% 6thOff DVOA
-
34.1% 5thPassing DVOA
-
0.2% 9thRushing DVOA
-
3.3% 21stDef DVOA
-
10.2% 22ndDef Passing DVOA
-
-4.4% 25thDef Rushing DVOA
2024 Team Stats
-
Points For27.5 6th
-
Points Against23.7 22nd
-
Yards Per Game374.0 5th
-
Yards Allowed Per Game323.0 10th
ESPN's John Keim says that Washington Commanders rookie second-round tight end Ben Sinnott will be one of the team's top-three tight ends this year. Sinnott's versatility is noticeable, as he's been used as a tight end and as a fullback in training camp. He hasn't exactly stood out with an ability to create separation from defenders, but he does excel at running after the catch -- a trait he showed in college at Kansas State. The 22-year-old caught all three of his targets for 57 yards in last week's preseason game against the New York Jets, but his work came with backup quarterbacks Jeff Driskel and Sam Hartman. Sinnott has plenty to like in dynasty/keeper leagues, but fantasy managers in single-year formats can ignore him for now while he tries to stand out behind starter Zach Ertz and John Bates in his first year in the NFL.
ESPN's John Keim writes that it's hard to overstate how much Washington Commanders rookie first-round quarterback Jayden Daniels has impressed his new teammates, thanks to both his on-field play and his off-the-field work ethic. Daniels' ball placement, accuracy and decision-making have all been praised this offseason. He completed 12 of his 15 passes for 122 yards and rushed for a touchdown in his first two preseason contests and was officially named the team's starting QB on Aug. 19. "I've played with a lot of first-time quarterbacks," receiver Terry McLaurin said, "and he plays like this is not going to be his first time playing in this league." It's no secret that the 23-year-old from LSU has all the tools to exceed in the NFL sooner than later, but it remains to be seen if he'll have enough help through the air to be a weekly QB1 option for fantasy managers.
The Washington Commanders started working wide receiver Kazmeir Allen in at running back at training camp last week, and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mentioned to reporters that Allen's "explosive" traits remind him of a Deebo Samuel-type player. The Commanders are looking for a way to keep Allen as they head into the 2024 regular season. The 24-year-old went undrafted last year out of UCLA and spent most of 2023 on Washington's practice squad. He's still well off the fantasy radar in all formats, but Allen is a name to file away, especially after the Commanders traded Jahan Dotson to the division-rival Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday. Washington is looking for young players to step up on offense, but it remains to be seen if Allen will be one of those guys. During the preseason, he has four carries for 15 yards and a fumble while also catching one pass for a 12-yard gain.
With the recent trading of former teammate Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown has been catapulted into the team's starting lineup. He now sits No. 2 behind Terry McLaurin on Washington's depth chart. Brown has looked solid this preseason and will have a chance to earn more consistent targets in his new starting role. The former Tarheel has garnered a 91.1 grade from PFF for his play this August and now has five catches (two contested) on six targets for 74 yards and a 118.1 rating when targeted. While the 24-year-old has totaled just 29 receptions over his first three seasons as a pro, he stands an excellent shot to provide some value in fantasy drafts this season in a wide-open Washington wide receiver room. Brown is currently Yahoo!'s WR409, though that is expected to change over the next few weeks.
There have been concerns about Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin's stationary preseason usage in Kliff Kingsbury's offense, but ESPN's John Keim doesn't think it should be a big talking point since the Commanders aren't going to show everything they plan to do in preseason contests. Keim doesn't think McLaurin will be stationary on the outside once the regular season begins, and McLaurin has even said himself that he's playing more of the slot this year. It especially makes sense for Washington to move the 28-year-old pass-catcher around because they are looking for other wideouts to step up behind him so far in training camp and the preseason. McLaurin had a fourth straight 1,000-yard season in 2023 but also posted career-lows in yards per catch (12.7) and yards per target (7.6). If his target share improves, McLaurin could be a steal as a WR3/flex in 12-team leagues, but he'll also be working with a rookie QB.