Commanders Fantasy Football begins and takes place in Week 10 against the Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers face arguably the toughest test yet for the Washington Commanders’ offense in 2024, especially for fantasy purposes. The New York Giants were a challenge last week, but they came through and had a solid fantasy performance overall. This should provide optimism heading into Week 10.

After a 7-2 start, the offense proved to be one of the best in the league. They will probably put up good numbers no matter how the game ends.

Let’s get to the beginnings and sessions from the commanders’ perspective in Week 10 at Northwest Stadium.

All statistics courtesy of Fantasy professionals.

Begins

Jayden Daniels

Jayden Daniels continues to dominate fantasy, putting up 20+ points in all but three meetings so far. It’s also worth noting that one of those came after he went down on the opening drive against the Carolina Panthers. The Heisman Trophy winner from LSU sits at QB3 this season.

He has proven that he is competitive. Even though the Steelers allow the third-fewest points to opposing quarterbacks in fantasy, Daniels should still start as a high-end QB1 this week.

Austin Ekeler

Austin Ekeler saw a slight increase in volume last week with Brian Robinson Jr. out. The No. 1 running back has been ruled out for the second straight season, leaving the veteran free agent to sign another game to take over the lead back role.

Despite a difficult matchup against the Giants, Ekeler posted an RB13 finish with 17.3 points per reception (PPR). Eleven carries and four targets as well as a touchdown contributed to the completion. Don’t expect him to be a workhorse as Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr. will also be involved.

There may be several moments when the commanders are down. With Ekeler being the primary pass returner, this could lead to a lot of targets. Start him as a flex play this week.

Terry McLaurin

Terry McLaurin had a difficult game last week when you look at the big picture, only managing three goals and 19 receiving yards on the day. Luckily, two touchdowns saved his fantasy performance.

Nobody should worry about McLaurin. In the games where he doesn’t have a big yardage total, the wide receiver always seems to end up with a touchdown. There probably won’t be another game this season where his target percentage is this low.

This was a dominant fantasy year for McLaurin. He is currently the WR7 for the season and is still the WR3 as of Week 3. Commanders fans knew what he was capable of with a real quarterback, and he proves them right.

That’s a tough question for McLaurin, as the Steelers are currently allowing the 11th fewest fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Star cornerback Joey Porter Jr. will also likely cover him for the majority of the game. With that said, he should be in for another good outing.

Start McLaurin as a high-end WR2 this week.

Noah Brown

This is a launch specifically for deeper leagues.

Noah Brown has now truly established himself as a WR2. He has scored six goals in the last two games for the Commanders, showing that he plays a role in the attack. With McLaurin running double coverage on most plays, the pass catcher will have an easier time getting the lead.

Start Brown as a flex player in deeper leagues this week.

Sits

Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Both defenders will likely serve as the RB2-A and RB2-B for the team, with Ekeler taking on the lead back role. While that will mean some work for Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez Jr., playing them in fantasy leagues, even deep leagues, won’t be enough.

Keep both McNichols and Rodriguez on your benches this week.

Wide receivers from other commanders

Luke McCaffrey, Olamide Zaccheaus and Dyami Brown are still in this constant cycle every week. Neither gets enough targets or snaps to produce consistent production. Every now and then one of them has a big week, but it’s not even close to consistent.

Leave McCaffrey, Zaccheaus and Brown on your benches.

Zach Ertz

Last week against the Giants, Zach Ertz scored just one goal and played 48 percent of the snaps. This could mean he is gradually phased out of the roster to make room for rookie Ben Sinnott and young tight end John Bates.

Leave Ertz on the bench after an extremely lackluster Week 9.

Commander Defense

While the defense has been solid lately, this isn’t a fantasy matchup against them. The Steelers’ offense has been given a new lease of life under veteran Russell Wilson. If Marshon Lattimore played it would be a better matchup, but with the newly acquired cornerback out, this is not the week for the defense in fantasy.

Leave the Commander’s defense on waivers this week.

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