2024 Washington Commanders Team Outlook

The Commanders were a disaster but they are making progress after finishing last in the NFC East in 2023. After selecting Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick in the draft, Washington will look quite different this upcoming season. The team's outlook is very much dependent on how pro-ready Daniels is. The first-year signal caller produced 40 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions in 2023 at LSU. His 95.6 QBR was the highest in the nation.

Washington also acquired veteran running back Austin Ekeler in free agency, which should add a major boost to the backfield after losing Antonio Gibson. Although Ekeler had a poor 2023 campaign, the veteran is still one of the best pass-catching NFL backs. But don't expect him to produce RB1 numbers with Brian Robinson Jr. on the depth chart. Ekeler was just the RB26 in 2023 after barely surpassing 1,000 all-purpose yards and scoring only six touchdowns. Robinson was the more efficient runner between the tackles (4.1 yards per carry versus 3.5 for Ekeler) and finished as the RB21. The Commanders will likely employ a running back-by-committee approach. Ekeler should see the bulk of his work on obvious passing downs but Robinson is the favorite to lead in rushing yards.

The Commanders also signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Ertz had an injury-plagued campaign in Arizona but second-round Kansas State TE Ben Sinnott has elite burst and agility. Sinnott could pass Ertz on the depth chart, making him an intriguing fantasy sleeper.

Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson will remain a dynamic one-two punch in the wide receiver room. Third-round selection Luke McCaffrey out of Rice, will add some much-needed depth to the receiving corps. He'll contend with Jamison Crowder and Olamide Zaccheaus for No. 3 duties.

McLaurin managed to produce his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season. He finished with 79 receptions for 1,002 yards and four touchdowns. He was the WR28 in PPR formats. Dotson was up and down but didn't live up to expectations. He tallied 49 receptions for 518 yards and four touchdowns. However, Curtis Samuel is no longer with the squad, and with better quarterback play, Dotson should produce better numbers in his third year in the NFL. The former first-round pick has the skill set to be a dominant WR2 in the NFL but is more of a WR3 heading into the fantasy football season.

QB Jayden Daniels, WAS - Sleeper (undervalued)

The reigning Heisman Trophy winner, Daniels led the FBS in QBR (95.6), ranked second with 40 touchdown passes, and rushed for 1,134 yards in his final season at LSU. Those accolades resulted in Daniels being selected No. 2 overall by Washington, who will completely reset their entire franchise around their young signal-caller. Daniels is an elite dual-threat athlete blessed with high character, football IQ, and pocket presence. He also has an outstanding arm with deep-ball accuracy and the potential to lead all QBs in rushing. In short, he checks all the boxes to make a Lamar Jackson/Anthony Richardson type of impact, making him one of the most intriguing mid-round sleepers to target. ADVICE: Must-have QB2 with immense, league-wining upside

RB Brian Robinson, WAS - Sleeper (undervalued)

Even though he saw fewer touches in his second season, Brian Robinson was far more efficient. He broke more long runs, forced more missed tackles, and punched in three more scores. The biggest surprise for Robinson was his receiving production. He reeled in 36-of-43 targets and averaged a whopping 10.2 yards per catch with four more TDs. Unfortunately, Austin Ekeler will eat into Robinson's opportunities, especially as a receiver. QB Jayden Daniels will also be a threat to steal goal-line looks but Robinson will command most of the early-down work in an improved Commanders' offense. He remains a viable RB3/Flex option. ADVICE: Another excellent sleeper to target in an exciting offense

WR Terry McLaurin, WAS - Solid/Safe Pick

McLaurin has been one of the most consistent receivers in football over the past three seasons. He's caught 77-79 passes for 1,002-1,191 yards and four to five touchdowns while finishing between WR22 and WR34. He's a reliable fantasy WR3 but McLaurin might be undervalued in 2024. Washington's offense should be dramatically better with Kliff Kingsbury calling plays and dynamic rookie Jayden Daniels under center. McLaurin is the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver on an offense that could contend for top-10 passing numbers. That makes McLaurin a superlative WR3 target in the middle rounds of fantasy drafts. ADVICE: An underrated veteran who should deliver WR2 numbers in Washington's new-look offense

WR Jahan Dotson, PHI - Quality Backup

After a promising debut, Jahan Dotson regressed in his second season. Usage played a big part in that dropoff. In his rookie campaign, Dotson ran 74% of his routes from the slot. That dipped to 54% last season. Oddly, Dotson's ADOT and yards per route run also plummeted. indicated he's better suited for slot duties. However, Luke McCaffrey is expected to be employed inside this year, which quells Dotson's rebound odds. However, Kill Kingsbury should be able to shame Dotson open and the quarterback play will be vastly improved with Jayden Daniels. ADVICE: Should rebound into a WR4/5 but would be better employed out of the slot

WR Luke McCaffrey, WAS - Super Sleeper (high risk/potential)

ADVICE: Kliff Kingsbury could employ Luke McCaffrey as a versatile chess piece all over the formation. McCaffrey could have a surprisingly big role right away in an upstart Washington offense. He's projected to open the season as Washington's slot receiver and should see plenty of snaps and targets right away. A solid late-round sleeper to target in 2024.