Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders running back Chris Rodriguez Jr. could see increased opportunities with No. 1 running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out for a second straight game in Week 10 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Last weekend, Rodriguez surprisingly saw more attempts than the presumed No. 3 option Jeremy McNichols. In that game, Rodriguez tallied a team-high 52 yards off 11 attempts. However, the Kentucky product is still on the practice squad and would need to be elevated before Sunday's game in order to suit up. If the Commanders decide to leave him off the roster, fantasy managers should expect McNichols to serve as the backup behind Austin Ekeler.

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler should operate as the lead running back for the second straight game with Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) being ruled out again. Last week, operating as the lead option, Ekeler scored a season-high 17.3 PPR points and found the end zone for the second time this season. He tied Chris Rodriguez Jr. for a team-high 11 carries. However, Ekeler was also heavily involved in the passing game, bringing in three of his four targets for 41 yards. Given his role as a potential three-down back, fantasy managers should view the 29-year-old as a solid RB2 yet again against a Pittsburgh defense that has allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing RBs this season.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be viewed as a high-end QB1 despite facing a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense. Daniels continued his incredible rookie campaign last weekend against the New York Giants as he went 15-for-22 with 209 yards and two scores. He added 35 yards on the ground. During Weeks 6 and 8, Daniels threw for at least 250+ passing yards and attempted at least 30 passes. This weekend, he will face a Pittsburgh Steelers defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest points to opposing QBs this season. However, given his ability as a runner, fantasy managers should continue to feel confident locking Daniels into their lineup in all formats.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. (hamstring) has been ruled out for this Sunday's matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Robinson will now miss his second straight contest and set his sights on returning in Week 11 for a pivotal divisional matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles next Thursday. This week, Robinson remained a limited participant in practice. As a result, fantasy managers should expect Austin Ekeler to operate as the lead option out of the backfield with Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Jeremy McNichols serving as change-of-pace options. Last week, Ekeler scored a season-high 17.3 PPR points and should be in a good position to produce solid RB2 numbers again this weekend. Fantasy managers in deeper formats could consider Rodriguez a desperation flex option after he logged 11 carries for 52 yards last weekend.

San Francisco 49ers wide receivers Deebo Samuel Sr. (oblique, rib) and Jauan Jennings (hip) were both limited in practice for the second straight day this week on Thursday. Chris Conley (hamstring) missed another practice. While Samuel is still hurting from injuries he suffered in the Week 8 win over the Dallas Cowboys, he's still up in the air to play in Week 10 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers despite having last week's bye to rest up. We'd still be surprised if he's not active this Sunday. Samuel is a must-start fantasy wideout when active, especially with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) out for the year. Jennings missed Weeks 7 and 8 due to his hip ailment but could make it back this weekend, where he'd likely serve as the No. 2 behind Samuel, giving him upside as a WR4/flex for fantasy managers in a good matchup.