Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

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 Olamide Zaccheaus should be expected to continue to operate as the No. 3 wideout in Week 16 but should not be started in any formats while facing the Philadelphia Eagles. Last weekend, Zaccheaus brought in three of his four targets for 36 yards. He also found the end zone, but the play was eventually called back due to an offensive penalty. Zaccheaus has typically been deployed as a depth option in the passing attack but has seen an uptick in opportunities with Noah Brown (kidney) on Injured Reserve. He has shown upside at times in his limited role, averaging an impressive 10.0 yards per catch this season. However, facing one of the top secondaries in the sport that has allowed the fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts makes Zaccheaus a desperation option in deep PPR formats that should be avoided.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown should not be started in any formats this weekend when he faces the Philadelphia Eagles. With Noah Brown (kidney) on the injured reserve, Dyami Brown was given an increase in playing time. Last weekend, Brown brought in three of his four targets for 40 yards in their victory over the New Orleans Saints. Over his past two games, Brown has seen at least four targets in each contest and averaged a solid 9.3 yards per reception. In both of these games, he was deployed as the clear No.2 option opposite of Terry McLaurin in relief of Brown. However, facing a tough Philadelphia defense that has shut down opposing wide receivers, fantasy managers should look for an alternative option this weekend.

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.