Washington Commanders News

NFC EAST

Rachaad White • RB • Commanders

Rachaad White Undervalued in Dynasty Leagues Despite a Path to Upside

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is being valued as a low-end RB4 in consensus dynasty rankings despite arguably landing in his best situation since finishing as the RB7 in 2023. For the past two seasons in Tampa, White has split the backfield with another capable pass-catcher in Bucky Irving, but upon signing a one-year deal with the Commanders, the dedicated receiving role looks to be entirely his. None of the other backs currently on the roster topped 26 receptions in 2025, and on his way to becoming Penn State's all-time leading rusher, sixth-round pick Kaytron Allen never recorded more than 18 catches in a season. White's 40 receptions in 2025 marked a career low after averaging 55 catches across his first three seasons. He is RotoBaller's dynasty RB35, despite exceeding that finish in each of the last three years, making him a low-cost trade target who should provide a safe weekly floor through target volume alone, while still having a chance to carve out a larger role in a below-average running back room.

22 hours ago

Chig Okonkwo • TE • Commanders

Chig Okonkwo a Clear Breakout Candidate in Washington

When Commanders tight end Chig Okonkwo agreed to a three-year deal with Washington in the opening days of free agency, he was viewed as one of the biggest winners of the early offseason. With Washington since spending a third-round pick on prototypical slot receiver Antonio Williams, a small amount of shine has come off the landing spot, but the talented fifth-year tight end still walks into the best situation of his young career. Okonkwo has never been on a team with a quarterback throwing for more than 3,200 yards or 15 touchdowns, numbers easily eclipsed as a rookie by 2024 first-round pick Jayden Daniels before injuries derailed his 2025 sophomore campaign. While a soon-to-be-31-year-old Terry McLaurin arguably represents the fiercest target competition Okonkwo has ever faced, the receiver depth behind him still ranks near the bottom of the league, even with the addition of Williams. With Okonkwo operating as the second or third option in what projects to be a highly competent offense, he could easily top his 56 receptions and 560 receiving yards from 2025, numbers that led a hapless Titans offense. At RotoBaller's dynasty TE17, the 26-year-old could still be undervalued with a ceiling capable of putting him just outside the top tiers of pass-catching tight ends.

23 hours ago

Marcus Mariota • QB • Commanders

Is Marcus Mariota Worth Stashing as an Injury Replacement in Dynasty Leagues?

After appearing in just six games (zero starts) between 2023 and 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota was pressed into starting duty in 2025 thanks to myriad injury issues for Washington QB1 Jayden Daniels. The veteran Mariota performed adequately, throwing for 1,695 yards, 10 touchdowns, and seven interceptions across 11 games (eight starts). Mariota's fantasy appeal comes from his ability to use his legs, as he rushed for 297 yards and a score on 50 attempts. With Daniels healthy heading into 2026, Mariota should slide back into a backup role. Given Daniels' injury track record dating back to his days in college, dynasty managers may want to consider stashing Mariota in a bench spot. Still, rostering Mariota is a deep-league play at best, as he offers little upside beyond capable QB2 production as he enters his age-33 season.

Yesterday

Stefon Diggs • WR • Commanders

Stefon Diggs Found Not Guilty of Assault, Strangulation

Veteran free-agent wide receiver Stefon Diggs was found not guilty on Tuesday of assaulting his private chef in a pay dispute, according to ESPN. Diggs pleaded not guilty in February to a felony strangulation charge and a misdemeanor assault and battery charge that stemmed from the alleged dispute. The four-time Pro Bowler is now cleared for a return to the field, but he could still face discipline from the NFL as part of the league's personal-conduct policy. Jamila Adams, a former live-in personal chef, testified that Diggs slapped and choked her during an argument. "The evidence has shown what we've maintained from day one: Mr. Diggs was wrongly accused, and this case represents exactly the kind of opportunistic targeting that players can face the moment they step off the field," Diggs' attorneys said in a statement. Despite his off-the-field issues, Diggs is the top available player on the open market this late into the offseason after recording the seventh 1,000-yard season of his career in 2025 with the New England Patriots. He was released in March after signing a three-year, $69 million deal with the Pats last year. Diggs' 2026 fantasy value will depend entirely on where he lands.

4 days ago

Terry McLaurin • WR • Commanders

Terry McLaurin is Well-Positioned to Rebound in 2026

After missing most of the offseason while negotiating a new contract, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin battled through an injury-marred 2025 campaign. The 30-year-old missed seven contests with a quad injury, finishing the year with 38 receptions for 583 yards and three touchdowns on 60 targets across 10 games. It was a disastrous year for the Commanders' offense overall, which also got just seven games out of star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Still, both McLaurin and Daniels should be healthy and ready to go for the start of 2026. McLaurin also looks like the undisputed favorite to dominate targets in Washington, as the next wide receivers on the depth chart are the unproven Luke McCaffrey and 2026 third-round pick Antonio Williams. Heading into his age-31 season, age-related decline is a concern for McLaurin. However, his strong track record of production and the situation around him in Washington make him an appealing bounce-back candidate in dynasty formats.

May 1

Ben Sinnott • TE • Commanders

Is it Time to Move on From Ben Sinnott?

Washington Commanders tight end Ben Sinnott was a second-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and with that draft capital came lofty fantasy expectations. Unfortunately, the third-year player, who showed flashes of dynamism at Kansas State, has yet to top 36 receiving yards in any game while playing mostly behind the almost-36-year-old Zach Ertz. With the Commanders committing nearly $17 million of guaranteed money to Chig Okonkwo on the first day of free agency, Sinnott appears to remain buried on the depth chart. Even with two-time Pro Bowler Terry McLaurin sidelined for much of the season and Washington using heavy personnel at one of the highest rates in the league in 2025, Sinnott was unable to stand out among a group of pass catchers led by a 29-year-old Deebo Samuel Sr., who remains unsigned as the calendar approaches May. With McLaurin expected to return to full health and the Commanders spending a third-round draft pick on Clemson's Antonio Williams, Sinnott is approaching roster-clogging status as dynasty managers look to free up bench spots for the incoming crop of rookies.

Apr 27

Jayden Daniels • QB • Commanders

Jayden Daniels' Supporting Cast in Washington Remains Similar Following NFL Draft

After an electric rookie season in 2024, Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels suffered through a disastrous sophomore campaign in 2025. Knee, hamstring, and elbow injuries limited him to just seven games played. Daniels also saw his efficiency as both a passer and a rusher drop across the board in the games he was healthy for. He averaged just 6.7 yards per pass attempt and 4.8 yards per carry in 2025, down from 7.4 yards per pass attempt and six yards per carry in 2024. Daniels should enter 2026 fully healthy, which obviously improves his odds for a bounce-back year. However, Washington used its lone selection in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball. While the Commanders did add Clemson wideout Antonio Williams in the third round, they left the offensive line in front of Daniels largely unchanged. Daniels elite dual-threat ability means his dynasty upside remains sky-high. Still, there are question marks around Daniels' supporting cast in Washington heading into his third NFL season.

Apr 26

Antonio Williams • WR • Commanders

Antonio Williams to See Starting Role on Day 1 in Weak Wide Receiver Room?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Antonio Williams didn't hear his name called until the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, but he could still have a starting role as early as Week 1. The Clemson product had 130 catches, 1,508 yards, and 15 touchdowns over his last two seasons at school. Now, he immediately projects as the Commanders' No. 2 receiver behind Terry McLaurin. That's good enough to get him into the starting lineup right away, assuming Washington doesn't make any other big additions at the position. There's still a chance they could go out and acquire someone like Brandon Aiyuk, but for now, all signs point to Williams having a significant role. Third-round draft capital doesn't usually translate to first-year success in fantasy football, but there are exceptions, especially for receivers with as much projected volume as Williams.

Apr 25

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt Remains the Top Option in Washington Backfield?

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt remains atop the depth chart following the 2026 NFL Draft. There was plenty of chatter that Washington might spend a premium pick on a running back, but that never came to fruition. Instead, they waited until the back half of Day 3, selecting Penn State's Kaytron Allen with the 187th overall pick in the sixth round. That's not exactly a big move, and Allen is unlikely to threaten Croskey-Merritt's role within the backfield. To this point, Rachaad White remains the biggest competition for Croskey-Merritt, but even then, it doesn't seem like he's an enormous threat. In all likelihood, Croskey-Merritt will get the bulk of the early-down carries after posting 805 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns as a rookie last year. Meanwhile, White will get more involved on passing downs, plus as a change-of-pace back when Croskey-Merritt needs a breather on early downs. That sentiment is reflected in RotoBaller's latest dynasty rankings, which have Croskey-Merritt slotted in as the overall RB44.

Apr 25

Athan Kaliakmanis • QB • Commanders

Commanders Take Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis with Pick No. 223

The Washington Commanders have selected Rutgers quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis with the 223rd overall pick in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Kaliakmanis spent two years at Rutgers after two seasons with Minnesota, and he showed improvement year over year. He completed more than 60% of his passes for the first time in 2025, setting career highs in passing yards and touchdowns. Kaliakmanis has NFL size at 6'2" and 216 pounds, and his improved processing could help him stick on the Commanders roster as a third quarterback behind Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota.

Apr 25

Kaytron Allen • RB • Commanders

Commanders Add Running Back Competition with Kaytron Allen at Pick No. 187

The Washington Commanders have selected Penn State running back Kaytron Allen with the 187th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Washington was one of the teams linked to Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love at the top of the first round, but instead, they addressed the position 180 picks later with the big-bodied Nittany Lion. For four seasons, Allen shared Penn State's backfield with Nicholas Singleton, who went to the Titans in the 5th round. Without possessing the speed or natural athleticism of Singleton, Allen leaned on his vision and physicality to make him the school's all-time leading rusher. He regularly got stronger late in games, leading the FBS with 8.2 yards per carry in the fourth quarter as a senior. In a room featuring Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Rachaad White, and Jerome Ford, Allen has both the experience and ability to earn a meaningful role out of the gate.

Apr 25

Antonio Williams • WR • Commanders

Commanders Use 71st Overall Pick on Antonio Williams

The Washington Commanders have selected Clemson wide receiver prospect Antonio Williams with the 71st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. A four-year contributor at school, Williams had 130 catches, 1,508 yards, and 15 touchdowns over his last two seasons. This selection addresses an area of need for the Commanders. Washington lost Deebo Samuel Sr. in free agency, leaving Terry McLaurin as the team's only fantasy-relevant receiver. The Commanders continue to be linked to 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, but for now, Williams should slot into the No. 2 role behind McLaurin in this Jayden Daniels-led offense. He entered the draft as the overall WR93 in RotoBaller's dynasty fantasy football rankings.

Apr 24

Sonny Styles • LB • Commanders

Sonny Styles Selected Seventh Overall by Commanders

The Washington Commanders have selected Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles with the seventh overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Styles spent his entire four-year college career with the Buckeyes. While he logged only one tackle for loss in his debut campaign, he would begin to find his footing in his sophomore season, tallying 4.5 TFL and 2.0 sacks. In 2024, on the National Championship-winning team, Styles would lead the way, tallying a career-best 6.0 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss. This past season, Styles would conclude his college career with 46 solo tackles, but added just one sack and was named second-team All-American. During the pre-draft process, Styles was credited as one of the top pure tacklers in the class and for having elite range in the open field. Styles will bring a much-needed spark to the Washington defense that allowed 26.5 points per game during the 2025 season.

Apr 23

Jeremiyah Love • RB • Commanders

Jeremiyah Love Could Unlock Commanders Offense

ESPN's Jordan Reid is mocking Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love to the Washington Commanders in the first round of this year's NFL draft at No. 7 overall. Love is widely considered the best overall prospect in this year's draft class, and he's an explosive playmaker waiting to happen. Reid believes that Love "would unlock multiple layers" of Washington's playbook that they couldn't access in 2025. Adding Love in the backfield would be a huge boost to quarterback Jayden Daniels as he looks to bounce back from an injury-plagued year in his second season in the NFL. Love rushed for 1,372 yards and a whopping 18 touchdowns last year for the Fighting Irish and had 39 runs of 10-plus yards, which was fourth-most in college football. A landing spot in D.C. would make Love quite attractive in both dynasty and redraft leagues in 2025. Other potential landing spots for Love in the top 10 picks in this year's draft include the Cardinals, Titans, and Giants. The Commanders could represent one of the best opportunities for the clear top RB in the 2026 NFL draft.

Apr 21

Jonah Coleman • RB • Commanders

Jonah Coleman Could Be a Steal in Second Round of Rookie Drafts

Washington running back Jonah Coleman was a fantasy darling early in the process, beginning his pre-draft journey squarely in the conversation to be the second running back off the board. With the NFL Draft just days away, he seems to have fallen out of favor, now being projected most commonly as a Day 3 pick. While Coleman is a well-rounded, between-the-tackles runner who brings strengths to the passing game as both a blocker and receiver, his lack of a top gear shows up repeatedly on film and was all but confirmed by his refusal to run a 40-yard dash at either the Combine or his Pro Day. There are some similarities to Cam Skattebo from last year's draft, as an early favorite whose straight-forward game may have been overanalyzed. At a compact 220 pounds, with unreal contact balance and a nose for the goal line, Coleman is a load to bring down, but the NFL will ultimately tell us how they feel about him with draft capital. Much like Skattebo last year, that may present an opportunity for dynasty drafters to land him later in rookie drafts than they probably should be able to.

Apr 21

Garrett Nussmeier • QB • Commanders

Garrett Nussmeier Could Need Surgery Down the Road on his Spine

Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier (oblique) had tests at the NFL combine in February that showed a cyst on his spine, which was the root cause of the persistent oblique pain that derailed his 2025 season, sources told Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. The cyst was pressing on a nerve, which caused pain in Nussmeier's oblique. He has been without symptoms since before the Senior Bowl and throughout the pre-draft process, but if that changes down the road, he could have a minimally invasive surgery and miss around two to three weeks while the stitches heal. Doctors are convinced that there is no short- or long-term risk for the QB prospect, who is projected to be a mid-round draft pick this weekend. The 6-foot-2, 172-pounder broke out and led the SEC in pass attempts while throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns, but he also led the SEC with 12 interceptions in 13 games. He only played in nine games in 2025 due to his oblique issues as well as chest and abdominal injuries, throwing for 1,927 yards, 12 TDs, and five picks.

Apr 21

Zachariah Branch • WR • Commanders

Zachariah Branch Arrested for Misdemeanor Obstruction

Georgia wide receiver Zachariah Branch was arrested on Sunday on two misdemeanor obstruction charges, according to Marc Weiszer of the Athens Banner-Herald. Branch was charged with obstructing public sidewalks/streets-prowling and obstruction of a law enforcement officer. It's unclear if it will affect his stock as a potential Day 2 draft pick in this year's 2026 NFL draft, which kicks off on Thursday night. Branch began his collegiate career with two seasons at USC before playing with the Bulldogs in his final collegiate season in 2025. He had his best season last year, catching an SEC-high 81 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played at Georgia. Branch ran an impressive 4.35-second 40-yard dash at the NFL scouting combine in February, but his recent off-the-field issue could cause NFL teams to sour on him ahead of next week's draft.

Apr 19

Skyler Bell • WR • Commanders

Skyler Bell Projects More as an NFL Contributor Than Fantasy Difference-Maker

Connecticut wide receiver Skyler Bell set school records in 2025 with 101 receptions and 13 touchdown catches and was the first consensus All-American in school history. An older prospect who will turn 24 before the start of training camps, he has the versatility to line up across the formation but projects as an NFL slot. He received considerable pre-draft hype after winning the Stock Up Offensive Player of the Week at the Senior Bowl, but has since settled into a more reasonable projection as an early Day 3 pick. His obvious work ethic will help him get onto the field, but like many prospects in this deep rookie class, he may make stronger contributions to an NFL offense than a fantasy team. Before knowing landing spots, Bell slots in as RotoBaller's rookie WR14.

Apr 18

Rachaad White • RB • Commanders

Is Rachaad White an Offseason Trade Target in Dynasty Leagues?

Washington Commanders running back Rachaad White is trending up in dynasty leagues after his recent change of scenery. Following four seasons in Tampa Bay, White left for the Commanders in free agency. It was an understandable move, as White went from tallying 1,500+ yards in 2023 (RB4 in PPR leagues) to operating as the Bucs' backup running back in 2024 (RB22) and 2025 (RB32). White won't have the backfield all to himself in Washington, but he also won't face the same level of competition that Bucky Irving presented in Tampa Bay. White will use this summer to try to win the lead-back role over Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who was promising in his own regard with 4.6 YPC and eight touchdowns as a rookie last year. Croskey-Merritt was essentially a non-factor in the receiving game last year. That's where White thrives, so at the very least, he should be the primary passing-down back. He'll need to earn the rushing attempts, but that's not such an extreme ask given that he has 4.3 YPC and 13 total touchdowns over the last two seasons. White can be a low-end RB1 in an every-down role. In all likelihood, though, he'll end up as a low-end RB2 or high-end RB3 while sharing some of his volume with Croskey-Merritt. Still, that's a nice boost from his RB32 finish in 2025, so dynasty managers would be wise to send out trade offers for White in anticipation of his bounce-back campaign.

Apr 18

Jacory Croskey-Merritt • RB • Commanders

Jacory Croskey-Merritt's Year 2 Value Tied to Pick No. 7 in the NFL Draft

Washington Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt was one of the most fun stories heading into the 2025 season, and through the first month of his rookie campaign, the man known simply as "Bill" looked to be making good on all the preseason hype. Playing behind an above-average offensive line, Croskey-Merritt was able to churn out chunk plays at a league-leading level, averaging 11.6 fantasy points per game through Week 5 despite minimal usage in the passing game. Unfortunately, the big plays eventually dried up, and Croskey-Merritt finished the year as RB31, working in almost a true 50/50 split with Chris Rodriguez Jr. by the end of the season. The Commanders have since replaced Rodriguez with Rachaad White, which could be viewed as a win for Croskey-Merritt managers, as White's greatest contributions have come catching the ball, a market that Croskey-Merritt was never going to own. However, Washington is one of the teams picking in the top 10 of the upcoming NFL Draft that has been tied to Notre Dame prospect Jeremiyah Love. Should he become their pick on Day 1, Croskey-Merritt would be relegated to little more than change-of-pace duty. If the Commanders opt to go in a different direction, or if Love has already been selected by the time they're on the clock, Croskey-Merritt, who is currently RotoBaller's dynasty RB44, could still provide value as a low-end RB2 or flex play.

Apr 18

Washington Commanders News

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