Will Jayden Daniels Start In Week 1? 2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

Entering the 2023 college season, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was not regarded as a top prospect in the upcoming draft. However, after a dominant year for the Tigers, Daniels raised his draft stock and emerged as a top quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The 6-foot-3 quarterback threw for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns in 2023 while also running for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground. Daniels was then drafted second overall by the Washington Commanders in April's draft.

So, will Daniels start in Week 1 for Washington? Let's dive in and find out.

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Will Jayden Daniels Start in Week 1?

When the Commanders officially selected Daniels with the second overall pick, the expectation was that he would be the team's starting quarterback right away. They traded away Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks this offseason and only replaced him with Marcus Mariota.

That makes Daniels almost a guarantee to start for the Commanders immediately. The rookie also looked impressive in Washington's first minicamp practice last week, further solidifying his role as the team's starting quarterback in Week 1.

Jayden Daniels dropping dimes pic.twitter.com/RFCCsBmzHn

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) May 11, 2024

It would be a complete shock to see the Commanders go with Mariota to open the season and not Daniels. They definitely wouldn't go that route, especially given the rookie's upside in Washington's offense. He gives the team the best chance to win now and in the future, which is why he will be the starter in Week 1.

Jayden Daniels Fantasy Football Outlook

Despite only being a rookie, Daniels does have some fantasy potential in Year 1 in all formats. For starters, he has some solid weapons in the receiving game. Throwing passes to Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, and even Austin Ekeler should really make things easier for the former LSU product.

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels pic.twitter.com/yvNRiR1p5u

— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) May 12, 2024

On top of that, his rushing will make him a real fantasy option throughout 2024. This is a quarterback who ran for 234 yards and two touchdowns in a game against Florida late last season. His potential to rush for over 50 yards on any given week makes him an intriguing option in both one-quarterback and Superflex formats.

In dynasty Superflex formats, Daniels deserves to be the 1.03 on most occasions. With Caleb Williams and Marvin Harrison Jr. locked into the top two spots, the Commanders quarterback should be the next player off the board at third overall. His rushing ability will make him a top fantasy option for years to come.

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