Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 21, 2025, 1 p.m. ET
Location: Northwest Stadium, Landover, MD
Network: FOX
Game at a Glance
Jayden Daniels‘ status leaves the fantasy potential for this game in doubt, but it may not matter if Geno Smith plays as poorly as he did on Monday night.
Las Vegas Raiders
Quarterback
Geno Smith: SIT
After a career revival in Seattle, Geno Smith may have turned back into a pumpkin after reuniting with Pete Caroll in Vegas. Smith completely imploded on Monday night against the Chargers, throwing for just 180 yards despite 43 pass attempts. He threw three interceptions and now sports a less-than-ideal 1:4 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Running Back
Ashton Jeanty: START, RB2
Zamir White: SIT
Dylan Laube: SIT
Ashton Jeanty‘s chances of returning value on his early-round ADP aren’t looking great at the moment, but he’ll be just fine. It’s not unusual for rookie running backs to struggle at the start of their NFL career, even uber-talented ones like Jeanty. Washington has been one of the most difficult matchups for running backs from a fantasy perspective, giving up the seventh-fewest fantasy points this season. Paired with a slow start, that bumps Jeanty to RB2 status for Week 3, but don’t give up on him yet. He has league-winning upside when he puts it all together.
Wide Receiver
Jakobi Meyers: START, WR3
Dont’e Thornton Jr.: SIT
Tre Tucker: SIT
If Smith were playing better, Jakobi Meyers could be among the top fantasy wide receivers so far this season. Meyers has a 26% target share and 24.7% air yards share, keeping him a high-floor, low-upside weekly play. No other Raiders receivers are currently worth starting with Smith’s struggles.
Tight End
Brock Bowers: START, TE1
His ceiling may be knocked down just a smidge with Michael Mayer involved more than anticipated, but Brock Bowers is a must-start elite option at the position when active. He played through a knee injury in Week 2 and should do so again in Week 3.
Defense/Special Teams
Las Vegas Raiders: SIT (Streamable if Daniels is inactive)
If Jayden Daniels winds up missing this game, consider the Raiders a streaming option. But if Daniels is active, stay away.
Washington Commanders
Quarterback
Jayden Daniels: START, QB1
Marcus Mariota: SIT, QB2 (startable in Superflex)
In relief of an injured Jayden Daniels in Week 7 of last season, Marcus Mariota stepped in and threw 205 yards and two touchdowns, chipping in 34 rushing yards on 11 attempts. He’s one of the better options among the backups starting this week, but is still just a desperation Superflex play.
Running Back
Jacory Croskey-Merritt: SIT
Chris Rodriguez Jr: SIT
Jeremy McNichols: SIT
After losing Austin Ekeler to a torn Achilles, Jacrory Croskey-Merritt (affectionately known as “Bill”) sits atop the Commanders’ depth chart. He holds the most promise among the remaining Washington backs, but you can’t trust starting any of them until we see how the backfield touches are going to shake out.
Wide Receiver
Deebo Samuel: START, WR2
Terry McLaurin: START, WR2
Noah Brown: SIT
If Daniels winds up not playing in Week 3, both Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel remain viable starts, but they’d both drop a tier to WR3 status. I’m more comfortable starting Samuel, considering the multitude of ways he can be used in the offense.
Tight End
Zach Ertz: START, TE1
Zach Ertz has a touchdown in both games this season and a healthy 16.7% target share. He’s a startable tight end in fantasy, but would drop closer to streamer status if Mariota winds up under center.
Defense/Special Teams
Washington Commanders: START
Any defense facing Smith is worth starting in 2025.