Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 13th at 1:00 PM ET
Location: FedExField, Prince George’s County, Maryland
Betting Odds: PHI -6, 42.5 total via Oddsshark
Network: FOX
Philadelphia Eagles
Quarterback
Carson Wentz (Start, QB2)
2019 was not all that favorable for Carson Wentz, as he went through weeks of injuries, not to mention a poor display from his receiving options all throughout. Even so, Wentz had his best fantasy performances against Washington, scoring 25 & 21.5 points in both contests, respectively. Some of his offensive line was banged up from training camp, but with healthy weaponry entering the season he’s a fair start candidate to kick off Week 1.
Running Backs
Miles Sanders (Start, RB2), Boston Scott (Sit)
Miles Sanders missed a significant amount of summer reps as he nursed a lower-body injury, but he’s lining up to be on the field Week 1 against Washington. The second-year back is expected to take full control of this backfield just as long as he can remain healthy. He’s due to face a Washington defense that allowed 23.13 points on average to opposing running backs last season. It was reported on Tuesday though that Sanders could have his snaps limited; “it’s a possibility” said Doug Pederson. Take that as you may. Boston Scott is a name/cuff worth watching, but he’s not on the start radar for me in the season opener.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
DeSean Jackson (Start, Flex), Alshon Jeffery (Sit), J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (Sit), Greg Ward (Sit), Zach Ertz (Start, TE1), Dallas Goedert (Start, TE2)
If we’re being honest with ourselves, this Eagles receiving group is not all that great; especially for fantasy. Looking ahead to Week 1, DeSean Jackson is the only Eagle WR I would be willing to start. He’s healthy – for now – and that’s pretty much my reasoning. Alshon Jeffery could be eligible to play, but having missed all of training camp, his status is still up in the air. I wouldn’t want to take my chances with him out the gate. J.J. Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward will suit up but I can’t see a scenario will they have a blowup performance this week.
You can fire up Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert with confidence if you own either of ’em. Washington gave up the 5th most fantasy points to tight ends last season, and there’s no doubt Wentz will look their ways often. It’s left to be seen who of the two might produce more, but both add unique offerings to the offense where they can succeed.
Washington Football Team
Quarterback
Dwayne Haskins (Sit)
There wasn’t much competition behind Dwayne Haskins this summer, and the starting job was surely going to be his. That being said, he’s not a viable fantasy option right now; even in two-QB leagues. Not to mention, the Eagles gave up the 16th fewest fantasy points to quarterbacks last season.
Running Backs
Antonio Gibson (Start, RB2), Bryce Love (Sit), J.D. McKissic (Sit)
There is only one Washington running back I’m willing to start in the opener, and it’s Antonio Gibson. With the rather unexpected release of Adrian Peterson last week, Gibson should not only see the early-down work but also be a feature in the passing game. Week 1 is not the time to start Bryce Love or J.D. McKissic.
Wide Receivers
Terry McLaurin (Start, WR1), Steven Sims Jr. (Sit), Logan Thomas (Sit)
Like the running backs, there is only one WR worth starting (and rostering) from Washington, and it is Terry McLaurin. McLaurin is looking to improve on his rookie season, where he finished with 58 receptions on 93 targets for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. As the strongest receiving option for Haskins, he should surely see the majority of targets in an offense that is likely going to be playing from behind all season. Steven Sims Jr. is not worth a roster spot at this moment, but time will tell if he can involve himself in this offense.
This sit recommendation may not be for long. Shoutout to Ben Brown of QBL who featured Logan Thomas in the sites Going Deep series, as he has the potential to be a pivotal threat in this Washington offense and a fantasy darling as the season progresses. I’m not comfortable starting him this week – the Eagles gave up the fifth-fewest fantasy points to tight ends last season – but it wouldn’t shock me if Haskins looks his way often and this builds to an important role going forward.
-Matt Cava (@cavaM_ on Twitter)
Won’t Conley be occupying that second WR spot on the Jags? At least to start?
Honestly, Bob, I can’t make heads or tails of who will be lining up outside versus in the slot for Jacksonville. I think Shenault ends up playing outside more than Conley but I expect all 3 to be on the field most of the time. I don’t think Conley is a candidate for starting this week even if he does start over Shenault. Thanks for the question!
Thanks. Makes sense. Shenault certainly seems like the better talent. I’ll be on the sidelines until one of them separate
Mike Evans, DeVante Parker, or Deebo Samuel? All on the injury report lol
Might come down to kickoff and who’s healthiest. But if they are all borderline, I would go Evans, he just has the most upside. Parker against New England isn’t a fun matchup regardless of injury.
Start Ertz or Andrews in full ppr?
That’s a nice problem to have lol. I’d go Andrews
Is Kerryon Johnson droppable for handcuffs or backup QB in 12T?
Yea, I think Kerryon is droppable now.
He’s not in an ideal situation, but I might hold for week 1 if you’ve got some guys with injuries who might not start or will be limited (Golladay, Evans, Miles, etc.). He might be a “Break Glass in Case of Emergency” player this week. If your lineup is solid top to bottom and a top-end handcuff is available (Mattison, Latavius, Pollard, Edmonds, Scott) or a guy like James Robinson then I’d swap Kerryon for one of them. A high-upside QB2 is less than ideal, but if you’re only carrying one it might not be a terrible idea.
A.J. Brown, Courtland Sutton, Antonio Gibson – Start 2. Standard Scoring.
Assuming Courtland Sutton plays…
Brown for sure. Sutton for sure if he’s looking safe, but may save you the headache to just put Gibson in.
What’s your pick on Diggs, White, or Crowder for PPR Flex spot?
With Goladay doubtful, is Marvin Jones a must start? Over McLaurin, Gallup, and J. Brown
I like Jones but don’t know if “must-start” applies. Chicago still has a formidable defense and I think Hockenson gets a bigger bump than Jones with Golladay’s (likely) absence. If you have the bench space, Quintez Cephus might be a sneaky pickup. Beat writers are talking up Marvin Hall, but I think Cephus is the long-term WR3 for Detroit and should see some playing time in week 1.