Washington Commanders DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Washington Commanders running back Austin Ekeler is shaping up to be an RB3 or flex option in the season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Ekeler had a difficult 2023 season as he battled a high ankle sprain early on, which clearly limited him throughout the campaign. However, in the offseason, he decided to take his talents to the DMV in the hope of reclaiming fantasy stardom. Fantasy managers should expect the 29-year-old to see the majority of the passing downs in a running back committee with Alabama product Brian Robinson Jr. During the preseason, Ekeler typically replaced Robinson on third downs but did see a few red zone attempts, which is something to monitor going forward as Ekeler has always shown a nose for the end zone throughout his career. For now, fantasy managers should treat Ekeler as an RB3 with the upside to see a heavy dose of targets his way.

Washington Commanders running back Brian Robinson Jr. should be started in all leagues as an RB2 in Week 1 as he faces the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Robinson is expected to be the slight leader in a committee with veteran Austin Ekeler. During the preseason, the Alabama product consistently saw the first carries of the game but was often replaced by Ekeler during third-down situations. Last season, the 25-year-old ran for 733 yards, punched in five scores, and tallied 368 yards and four scores through the air. Fantasy managers should expect Robinson to be a solid RB2 on Sunday with the upside to get goal-line work. However, expectations should be tempered slightly as the Buccaneers allowed the fifth-lowest 95.3 rushing yards per game last season.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should be locked into all starting lineups as he prepares to make his regular-season debut on Sunday afternoon. The reigning Heisman trophy winner looked sharp in his limited preseason action as he went 12-for-15 with 123 yards and added 16 rushing yards and a score with his legs. In his final season at LSU, the former number-two overall pick threw for 3,812 yards with 1,134 rushing yards and 50 combined scores. Daniels will line up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who surrendered 248.9 passing yards per game, which was the fourth-most in the league last season. Fantasy managers should feel confident placing the future of the Commanders in their starting lineup as he should provide not only a safe floor but the upside to finish near the top of his position.

The San Francisco 49ers restructured the contract of wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. on Tuesday. The move created $16.4 million in cap space. The restructure comes as no surprise given the recent contracts the 49ers handed to wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and offensive tackle Trent Williams. The 49ers are in win-now mode and are preparing to compete for a Super Bowl. Restructuring Samuel was necessary to ensure they could continue building out their roster in the short term. However, the move will not affect Samuel's ability to produce in 2024. Samuel recorded 892 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in 2023. He added 225 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground. If Samuel stays healthy, expect him to produce those types of numbers once again in 2024.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Luke McCaffrey was listed as one of three starting wideouts on the team's first official depth chart heading into a matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the departure of Jahan Dotson, who was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, the WR2 job behind Terry McLaurin is up for grabs. McCaffrey was selected in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft following his final season at Rice which saw him post just under 1,000 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. McCaffrey has name recognition from NFL fans thanks to his relatives who have played or are playing in the league, but his Year 1 fantasy expectations should be tempered. Washington will be led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rookies historically fail to support multiple fantasy-relevant pass-catchers. McCaffrey should be on the waiver wire watchlist, but for now, he should not be in starting lineups.