One of the most intriguing stories in the NFL this year has been the emergence of a potent Washington Commanders offense with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. The unit is a high-flying one and has quickly become must-watch viewing.
The Commanders are great in the real world and possess a 4-2 record to start the season, but they’re also fantastic in fantasy. Daniels’ name is the one gaining headlines, and understandably so. However, the biggest beneficiary of the team’s newfound success might just be Terry McLaurin, who has finally become a reliable fantasy WR1.
An offensive revolution
Entering the 2024 season, there were plenty of people with elevated expectations for Washington. After all, they brought in a Heisman-winning quarterback in Daniels, as well as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, who seems to fall into the category of great coordinators who fell short as head coaches.
However, even those who were high on the Commanders during the preseason couldn’t have predicted this surge. Washington’s offense averages 29.7 points per game through six weeks, tied for the NFL’s second-best mark. The team also ranks fifth in total yards per game, fifth in rushing yards per contest, and 13th in passing yards per game.
The difference is night-and-day compared to last season when the Commanders’ averages ranked 25th in scoring, 24th in total yards, and 26th in rushing yards. When it comes to fantasy football in particular, McLaurin’s numbers have taken a similar leap from last season to now thanks to the new offense.
Terry McLaurin: fantasy WR1 at last
This Washington offense is exactly what McLaurin and fantasy managers have been waiting for. Notably, Daniels is the 11th starting quarterback McLaurin has caught passes from in his six-year career. Previous signal-callers don’t evoke memories of top-tier quarterback play — Kyle Allen, Case Keenum, Taylor Heinicke, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz post-injury, Alex Smith, and Sam Howell.
Despite Washington’s turnover at quarterback, McLaurin has returned WR2 value season-in and season-out. He’s never finished below the overall WR29 in fantasy, which occurred during his rookie year. Scary Terry truthers have known all along he’s a talented wide receiver, and with a QB who appears to be a star in the making, McLaurin is finally the WR1 we always knew he could be.
After a slow start, McLaurin has posted 20.0, 18.2, 13.4, and 23.3 DKFP in his last four games. Through six contests this season, McLaurin is currently the WR12 overall, which means he’s delivering back-end WR1 value. He’s averaging 15.6 DraftKings fantasy points per game, tied with his career-best average set in 2020.
As for his statistics, McLaurin has tallied 29 receptions for 356 yards and four touchdowns. He’s been targeted 43 times on the season, tied with Justin Jefferson for 19th league-wide. McLaurin also has 14 more looks than any other Commanders pass catcher and is on pace to break the 1,000-yard mark for the fifth straight season.
With over seven targets per game, McLaurin has made the most of his opportunities and should continue to pace Commanders pass catchers as the season continues. It’s entirely possible he could see an even greater target share as he and Daniels keep developing chemistry. After all, the young quarterback has only played six NFL games, and while he’s been incredible by any standard thus far, he should only improve with time.
McLaurin’s rest-of-season outlook
Those who roster McLaurin in their fantasy leagues should feel great about the veteran’s rest-of-season outlook. As the top dog in one of the league’s best offensive units, McLaurin should be in fantasy lineups every single week regardless of format.
If the Washington offense keeps their hot start rolling and Daniels remains healthy, McLaurin should remain a reliable WR1 — just as he was always destined to be.
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