Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken in this year's draft with the second overall pick, has the experience and ability to give him a chance to start immediately in his first season in 2024, according to multiple sources. "When that time comes, when he's ready, then that's when we'll do it. But there's no timeline on that," head coach Dan Quinn said. If Daniels doesn't start right away, the Commanders would go with Marcus Mariota. Both Quinn and general manager Adam Peters have said they want to rely on a strong defense and run game to reduce the burden on the rookie QB. The addition of veteran players like tight end Zach Ertz and running Austin Ekeler should lessen the need for Daniels to be the leader of the offense right away. Numerous NFL coaches think Kliff Kingsbury's offensive scheme will be good for Daniels, and while he has tons of long-term potential, Daniels will be a low-end QB2 with upside in fantasy in 2024.

Washington Commanders tight end Zach Ertz could face competition from rookie Ben Sinnott heading into the 2024 season, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic. Ertz landed with Washington during free agency as the Commanders looked to replace fellow veteran Logan Thomas. While Ertz currently has a grasp on the No. 1 tight end role, Washington did spend a second-round pick on Sinnott, a Kansas State product, suggesting there could be some competition and turnover at the position. Standig writes that "Sinnott's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack," implying the rookie has an inside track to earning targets right away. Ertz might still be the preferred option to open the year, but Sinnott will get involved. As a result, both tight ends should be avoided in most redraft formats. Sinnott, however, is an intriguing depth name in dynasty leagues.

Washington Commanders rookie tight end Ben Sinnott was taken with the No. 53 overall pick in the third round of this year's draft out of Kansas State, and he will have an opportunity for playing time right away despite the presence of Zach Ertz, John Bates, Cole Turner and Armani Rogers on the roster. He brings receiving prowess and height (6-foot-3, 250 pounds) to an offense that could use a bit of both to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who was taken second overall. The athletic tight end's unique versatility means he could carve out a role in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's attack in 2024. Sinnott had 676 receiving yards and six touchdowns on 49 catches in 2023. Still, Ertz is likely to open the year as Washington's primary pass-catching tight end, with Bates being a steady blocker. Sinnott could leapfrog Turner and Rogers with a strong training camp, but he's unlikely to be an immediate fantasy asset in single-year leagues.

The San Francisco 49ers were engaged in trade talks involving wide receivers Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel leading up to the draft, but the team elected not to trade either of their star receivers, with all signs pointing toward both being on the 2024 roster. Aiyuk is entering the final year of his rookie deal, and the assumption was that he'd be the odd man out after the team paid Samuel and other star players. Samuel still has two years left on the deal he signed before the 2022 season. San Fran has been to at least the NFC Championship game in four of the last five seasons, and losing Aiyuk or Samuel would almost certainly make the team worse in 2024. The 49ers can afford to keep both this year, but an Aiyuk extension would likely reduce his $14.124 million salary cap number for 2024. Samuel's fantasy value would have likely taken a hit with a move out of the Bay Area.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, free-agent wide receiver Michael Gallup intends to ink a deal with the Raiders. The Cowboys released the wideout mid-March, saving the club nearly $10 million. But he's now heading to Las Vegas, where he will reportedly sign a one-year, $3 million contract. Gallup's best season was in 2019, with the 28-year-old amassing 1,107 yards and six touchdowns off 66 receptions. Since then, his production has declined. Gallup also tore his ACL late in 2021, which hindered his chances of turning things around. With that said, Gallup could have trouble getting consistently involved in Vegas, considering he'll presumably be behind Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers on the depth chart. The quarterback situation also won't help his fantasy potential. Yet, Gallup could have a few decent outings with the Raiders, and his stock will rise if Adams or Meyers goes down with an injury at some point during the 2024-25 campaign.