Washington Redskins Daily Fantasy Team Preview

Vegas Projected Win Total – 6.5

The Washington Redskins have been quite mediocre since Robert Griffin III's rookie season. That might be me being generous too. Finishing 4-12 and dead last in the NFC East, a 6.5 win total is generous as well, but a lot hinders on the play of RG3. Washington headed to the draft and addressed a glaring need for a big time offensive lineman, given they ranked second in sacks allowed last year. With RG3's injury history, having him feel comfortable in the pocket should improve his game. Pierre Garcon was a big let down last season, but that was partially due to the rotating quarterbacks, and the addition of DeSean Jackson. He went from 184 targets in 2014, to 105 in 2015. That is a significant drop, even though he led the team in targets. Alfred Morris enters 2015 as Washington's most stable fantasy player. He rushed for another 1,000 yard season, and found the end zone eight times. The Redskins fantasy value as a whole is going to rely on production from under center.

Impact Fantasy Players

Alfred Morris – For those concerned with Morris' drop in YPC each season, being the lone offensive figure a defense has to worry about is going to do make that number take a dip. Morris had his best season when RG3 had his best season, and to keep defenses guessing is key, last season that did not happen. He was a matchup based RB2 in fantasy last season, who would likely become much more steady with some resurgence from RG3. Morris is not a producer in the passing game, which is is downside, and the upside is not there most weeks. This keeps him at bay for the RB2 spot, and not much room to grow. This may sound negative for a player with solid 2014 numbers, but Morris is a boring 80 yards and a score back. If quarterback production does happen in Washington this season, my stance on him may change.

DeSean Jackson – Washington's leading receiver was Jackson, and he relied heavily on those big plays over the top, as he has over his career. Jackson was at most a GPP play each week in 2015 with that big play potential, and was at a price where you could hope for the home run play. Robert Griffin III's arm strength has never been doubted, and these two could link up for some monster plays if the offense is somewhat versatile. Jackson ranked 16th in catches that went 20+ yards, and really on 30-40 targets less than the guys in front of him, with a poor quarterback rotation. His role remains unchanged for us in fantasy, he is a boom-or-bust play each week. He could go for 20 yards, or 140 and a score with a big play. Consistency is the issue with a player of Jackson's style.

Storylines

Which RG3 are we going to see? Can he stay healthy? These are the two biggest stories coming into 2015. After Jay Gruden ripped RG3 last preseason, things are totally different this year. The bond seems to be there, or at least that is what it appears in the media. Confidence off the bat will guide RG3 to a productive season, if not we could be looking at 2014 all over again, with next year making a move for a franchise QB. Washington picked up Griffin's option for this season, making him the leading man yet again. Expectations are low for the team, and for us in fantasy. They have plenty of playmakers ready for a breakout if RG3 can come through.

Stock Watch

Down - Robert Griffin III

Well this one is pretty obvious. With the state of the organization trying to move in a different direction, and Kirk Cousins is already penciled in as the week one starter. This brings down a lot of value for other players.

Down – Pierre Garcon

Trending downwards last season due to the system, QB play, and well Garcon simply just not exelling on the field, Garcon enters 2015 as a guy I won't believe in until I see change. We know what Garcon is capable of, but he has never been a guy who found the end zone. He has never surpassed six touchdowns in his career, and in fantasy football we want touchdowns! Growing in age, it is hard to see Garcon making a big jump in numbers.

Projections

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Daily Fantasy Outlook

A lot of how we view the Redskins falls on the shoulders of RG3's, and if things turn back to how they were in 2014, nothing will change from last year. Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson will be long shot hopeful wideouts with spotty QB play each week. Alfred Morris will have his weeks, but if all a defense has to do is prepare for him, well it will be an inefficient year for Morris. I like to think RG3 can turn in a nice season, and I am hoping it happens to add some other options for tournaments this season. The tools and players around him are there, but will we see it is the question.