The Commanders head into this matchup with QB Jayden Daniels and WR Terry McLaurin ruled out. Marcus Mariota stepped in and proved he can still lead an offense. Washington’s defense has been inconsistent, while Atlanta’s has been surprisingly tough: shutting down most QBs this year aside from Baker Mayfield. Michael Penix earned a vote of confidence from the Falcons’ staff, but question marks remain. With fantasy playoff pushes already heating up, this game has several key players worth discussing.
Mariota will start another Week – Daniels, McLaurin ruled out
🔥 Starts
- Bijan Robinson – RB, Falcons 🔥
This one is automatic. Bijan has taken over Atlanta’s backfield in year three and has been dominant both running and catching passes. Tyler Allgeier is no longer a threat to his workload, making Robinson a locked-in RB1 in every format.
Projected Stats: 19 carries, 101 yards, 1 TD; 4 catches, 35 yards
- Drake London – WR, Falcons 🔥
London’s usage is steady regardless of who’s under center. Against a Commanders secondary that just gave up 145 yards to Tre Tucker and 124 to Tucker Kraft, London is primed for a breakout. Expect double-digit targets and red zone looks.
Projected Stats: 7 catches, 92 yards, 1 TD
- Jacory Croskey Merritt – RB, Commanders 🔥
Merritt found the end zone last week and remains the clear starter. Don’t be fooled by Jeremy McNichols’ one big run: Merritt is the workhorse Washington will lean on. He’s a strong RB2/Flex play in this matchup.
Projected Stats: 15 carries, 67 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches, 18 yards
- Deebo Samuel – WR, Commanders 🔥
Whether it’s Daniels or Mariota starting, Deebo is too versatile and too important to bench. Atlanta’s defense struggled earlier this year against Tampa Bay’s top receivers, and Deebo will be a chain-mover here.
Projected Stats: 6 catches, 78 yards, 1 TD; 2 carries, 16 yards
- Marcus Mariota – QB, Commanders 🔥
Mariota starts again; his efficient 15/21 performance last week shows he can keep the offense humming. Either QB offers streaming value in 1QB leagues.
Projected Stats (Mariota): 19/27, 214 yards, 1 TD, 25 rushing yards
❄️ Sits
- Kyle Pitts – TE, Falcons ❄️
Another slow start has fantasy managers frustrated. Pitts has eclipsed 50 yards just once this season and continues to be misused. Until Atlanta figures out how to scheme him properly, he belongs on your bench.
Projected Stats: 3 catches, 34 yards
- Michael Penix – QB, Falcons ❄️
The coaching staff may have faith, but this isn’t a favorable matchup for Penix. He’ll need heavy help from the running game and short passes out of the backfield to succeed. Not worth the gamble in fantasy.
Projected Stats: 18/30, 194 yards, 0 TD, 1 INT
- Tyler Allgeier – RB, Falcons ❄️
This is Bijan’s backfield, plain and simple. Allgeier doesn’t see enough snaps or touches to justify even a flex spot anymore.
Projected Stats: 6 carries, 19 yards
- Zach Ertz – TE, Commanders ❄️
Atlanta has locked down tight ends this year, and Washington’s QB play hasn’t funneled many looks Ertz’s way. Expect production to be minimal.
Projected Stats: 2 catches, 21 yards
- Jeremy McNichols – RB, Commanders ❄️
His stat line was inflated by one big play last week. That kind of lightning won’t strike twice, and Croskey Merritt is the clear starter.
Projected Stats: 5 carries, 17 yards
🌙 Sleeper
- Luke McCaffrey – WR, Commanders 🌙
Quietly efficient, Luke has caught all 4 of his targets this year. If McLaurin sits, McCaffrey’s role will expand significantly, making him a sneaky PPR Flex play. He could be one of the best under-the-radar options of Week 4.
Projected Stats: 4 catches, 46 yards, 1 TD
Recap
• Must-starts: Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Deebo Samuel
• Strong plays: Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Marcus Mariota
• Fades: Kyle Pitts, Michael Penix, Tyler Allgeier, Zach Ertz, Jeremy McNichols
• Sleeper: Luke McCaffrey
Wrap Up
This game will hinge on QB availability, but the fantasy storylines are clear: Bijan is a league-winner, London should feast, and Washington’s playmakers still carry value even with uncertainty under center. The Falcons’ tight end woes continue, and their RB room is Bijan’s alone. Meanwhile, if McLaurin is sidelined, Luke McCaffrey could emerge as a sneaky start.
