RADIO
When Eric Bieniemy took over as the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator in 2023, many had high hopes he could turn around a team that ranked 20th and 24th in total yards and points per game in 2022, respectively. This did not come to fruition as the Commanders took a step back in both categories.
Despite the team's statistical regression, the offensive strategy shifted to a more pass-heavy approach, with the total number of passes increasing from 554 to 636 from the season before. The primary beneficiary of the passing surplus was former Commanders quarterback Sam Howell. While the increased volume of passes propelled him to a top-12 quarterback finish in end-of-season fantasy rankings, his performance was marred by inefficiency. He averaged a meager 6.4 yards per attempt on his 612 passes, with a touchdown to interception ratio of 21:21.
In a surprising move, the Commanders opted to trade Howell to Seattle this offseason, receiving a pair of draft picks in return. This decision was made with the intention of having Howell serve as a backup to the incumbent starter, Geno Smith. As a result, the question arises -- should we consider dropping Howell in dynasty leagues?
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Can I Drop Sam Howell in Dynasty Fantasy Football?
Sam Howell's status as a drop candidate is a complex decision. He might not offer much more in single-QB formats than being a roster-clogger and can comfortably be dropped if you have at least two decent starters. However, the situation becomes less clear in Superflex and best ball formats, where his potential value and the scarcity of starting quarterbacks could come into play.
He's arrived.#GoHawks x @Delta pic.twitter.com/BDshpEgbne
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) March 15, 2024
In best ball, Howell's potential value can be considered if there are no other enticing options on the waiver wire. In 2023, there were 66 individual quarterbacks to start at least one game. While that number might seem high, it's actually down from 2022, when we saw 68.
Geno Smith is the projected starter and probably will be for the duration of the season unless he is injured or takes another step back in a new-look Ryan Grubb offense. Smith was excellent in 2022, but that was under the direction of Dave Canales, who is seemingly on a war path to resurrect quarterbacks' careers.
In 2023, Smith turned back into a pumpkin and was more of the player we remember from earlier in his career. The door might still be open for Howell to get his hands on the Seahawks offense, and he might provide some value in best ball if he can do so.
In Superflex, I'm absolutely holding Howell if I have space for him on my bench. While he underperformed in 2023, the former Tar Heel at least showed flashes of competency and wasn't a zero in the rushing category, either. Howell ranked in the top 10 amongst quarterbacks in rushing yards last season (263) and tied for third in rushing touchdowns with Lamar Jackson and Desmond Ridder (five).
Additionally, this is still a very young player at just 23 years old, while Smith will enter his 12th season in the NFL at 33. My expectations are low for Howell entering this season. Still, in Superflex formats, he could help you win a week or two if he cracks the starting lineup with a trio of wide receivers vastly more talented than his previous teammates in Washington. If you have the space, you're good to hold him -- for now, considering his age and potential in Superflex.
Wednesday work. @Sam7Howell ➡️ @jaxon_smith1 pic.twitter.com/p8bGelSNzE
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 23, 2024
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