Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders kicker Zane Gonzalez (foot) should be viewed as a risky kicking option in fantasy this weekend while facing the Philadelphia Eagles. With Austin Seibert (groin) on Injured Reserve, Gonzalez has gone 3-for-5 on attempts and a perfect 10-for-10 on extra points in a relief role. In Week 15, Gonzalez could not play due to a foot injury, but he does not carry an injury designation into this weekend. Given that Philadelphia boasts one of the best defensive units in the league, the Commanders may need to rely on the kicker to do most of the damage, which could open the door for a solid showing. However, given his unstable 60.0% conversion rate this season, he is best left on the waiver wire in semifinal fantasy matchups.

Washington Commanders tight end John Bates could be in store for an increased role, with Zach Ertz (concussion) listed as questionable for Sunday's divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz suffered this concussion last weekend and could not practice all week, which suggests he will face an uphill battle to pass the league's protocol. When filling in for Ertz last weekend, Bates brought in his lone target for six yards. Earlier this season, Bates caught six of his nine targets for 64 yards and averaged a solid 10.7 yards per reception. However, given his lack of offensive production, even in a reserve role, makes him a high-risk TE2 facing the Eagles. Fantasy managers should look for an alternative option as Bates will have a tough task ahead of him in his first start as the Eagles have allowed the fifth-fewest PPR points to the position this season.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin should be viewed as a top-12 option in Week 16 when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles in a pivotal NFC East clash. McLaurin is carrying a three-game touchdown streak into this matchup. In his past two games, he has found the end zone twice in each of them. Since Week 3, the Ohio State product has averaged a stellar 18.3 PPR points per game with 77.5 yards per game. McLaurin is on track to post his fifth-straight 1,000-yard campaign. However, he has a difficult task ahead of him this weekend, facing the Philadelphia Eagles, who have allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season. In their previous Week 11 matchup, the Eagles held McLaurin to just one reception. Despite his struggles last time, fantasy managers should feel confident starting him in all formats as a WR1, given his strong production all season. In addition, with Noah Brown (kidney) on the IR and Zach Ertz (concussion) questionable, McLaurin could even see a higher target share in this matchup.

Washington Commanders running back Jeremy McNichols should not be started in any format this weekend facing the Philadelphia Eagles. With Austin Ekeler (concussion) sidelined, McNichols has taken the No.2 spot behind Brian Robinson Jr. While Chris Rodriguez Jr. has occasionally seen an increase in attempts, McNichols was deployed as the clear No.2 option last weekend as Rodriguez logged only three total offensive snaps. Since Week 12, McNichols has averaged a solid 5.3 yards per carry and has been operating as a change-of-pace option. However, in a game that will likely be very contested, Robinson may not leave the field quite often. Given his lack of stable opportunities, McNichols remains nothing more than a handcuff to Robinson with very little standalone value, especially when facing a Philadelphia defense allowing the third-fewest PPR points to the position this season.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. should be set for another workhorse opportunity to share this weekend, facing the Philadelphia Eagles with Austin Ekeler (concussion) on the injured reserve. Last weekend, Robinson had a modest showing, tallying only 65 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards against the Saints. However, during Week 14, Robinson tallied 103 yards and a score. Even though he will face a tough Philadelphia rushing defense that has allowed the third-fewest PPR points to the position this season, fantasy managers should feel confident viewing him as a solid RB2, given his projected opportunity share. The Alabama product has shown a nose for the end zone all season, tallying eight scores across 11 contests. The last time he faced the Eagles, Robinson tallied 63 yards and a score on the ground.