BALLER MOVE: Start in 10+ Team Leagues
POSITIONAL VALUE: QB1
ANALYSIS: Jayden Daniels makes his highly-anticipated NFL debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, one of the worst pass defenses a year ago (fourth-worst 248.9 yards per game). The unfortunate aspect of Washington's offense is the lack of talent at receiver. Terry McLaurin is great, but then the depth chart looks dicey.
The 33-year-old former Pro Bowler Zach Ertz may be second on the target pecking order. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury likes to utilize tight ends in his scheme. Olamide Zaccheaus, Noah Brown, and rookie Luke McCaffrey are the wideouts after McLaurin.
You'll notice I didn't name the running backs, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler. Both backfield members are weapons in the passing game but mobile quarterbacks don't tend to check their safety valves. Seven LSU running backs combined for 34 receptions during Daniel's Heisman campaign. Daniels ran 135 times (for 1,134 yards).
It's obviously better for fantasy football if Daniels runs. If those receivers are unable to get open, even against a poor secondary, Daniels has another way to earn points.
Jayden Daniels keeps it for the TD on his opening drive 🔥 @JayD__5
📱: Stream #WASvsNYJ on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/HbRsYFo9m6
— NFL (@NFL) August 10, 2024
The Commanders may have a worse pass defense than Tampa Bay and passing was the most effective way for Baker Mayfield and Co. to move the football in 2023. The Commanders could find themselves down in the second half, and the ball will be put in Daniels' hands more often.
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