The NFL is back! Fantasy owners who have prepared and drafted their teams all feel good about their chances to secure their first win of the fantasy football season.
Week 1 presents a level of uncertainty as everyone is starting fresh, with no previous week’s statistics, and tendencies to study.
With that said, Fantasy owners will want to start the season off with a win.
Below are two Commanders that fantasy owners should start this Sunday as Washington will take on the Jacksonville Jaguars at FedEx Field.
1) WR Terry McLaurin
Mclaurin led the Commanders last year with 42% of the team’s air yards. If Mclaurin can gel with his new quarterback Carson Wentz, the fourth-year wide receiver has top-12 potential.
McLaurin showed elite efficiency in his rookie season and averaged 8.9 targets per game in his second season so anything resembling a combination of those two seasons would put McLaurin in the discussion
for the top five.
Mclaurin will potentially be covered by one of two cornerbacks that were fairly average in defending top WRs.
Jaguars Corner Shaquill Griffin gave up a 69.5% catch rate and 110.6 passer rating last year. His teammate Tyson Campbell surrendered a 67.1% catch rate and a 100.7 passer
rating in coverage.
Washington has a more talented receiving corps that should give Mclaurin more one on one opportunities. McLaurin’s versatility, along with his big-play ability, makes him a must-start against the Jaguars in week one.
2) RB Antonio Gibson
Antonio Gibson despite some re-occurring fumbling issues during the preseason and training camp still has Commanders coach Ron Rivera’s trust.
“We’re going to give him the football and I have no issue with that,” Rivera said in a press conference with the media.
With that vote of confidence, fantasy owners should not shy away from Gibson in week one either.
Washington in week one will look to have a balanced attack to get their new quarterback Carson Wentz comfortable early. With Brian Robinson temporarily out, Gibson should see the bulk of the carries in Week 1.
Washington gave him the ball 18.75 times in 2021.
The Jaguars ranked 26th on the road against the run last season (132.8 ypg).