Chiefs Star Faces Unexpected Fantasy Bench Warning Ahead of Commanders Clash
The Washington Commanders' secondary hasn’t done much to prevent opposing offenses from finding explosive play opportunities this season, a strange about-face from the unit last year that was actually pretty good at keeping a lid on things.
Because of this, fantasy football managers everywhere are looking at available receiver plays, considering whether or not they can leverage a matchup against the Commanders for their own benefit.
This week, as Washington travels to face the once again high-powered offense, there’s no doubt those with Chiefs receivers on their roster will be aiming to get big points, but at least one NFL.com analyst believes there’s one you should actually avoid.
The Surprising 'Sit' Call
“Back in the summer, I said fantasy managers should pair Hollywood Brown with Rashee Rice and piece them together for the season. Brown was useful in the first six weeks, but with Rice back last week, Hollywood was limited to 33 percent of snaps (granted, starters were pulled in the blowout of Las Vegas) and four targets. He scored a touchdown and still didn't crack double-digit fantasy points. Rice is looking like a target hog, then there is Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce. That leaves Brown fighting with the rest for targets. It was fun, but it is likely over (pending injuries),” fantasy analyst Mike Florio says.
Reading Between the Lines
It's not exactly a vote of confidence for the Commanders' secondary, leading to a bench call for Brown, but more so the possibility that not only will the Chiefs target their primary receivers more often than not, they’ll do so successfully.
Like the Dallas Cowboys last week, Kansas City is getting healthy at receiver just in time to take advantage of the defensive trends currently being seen in Washington.
In Week 7, primary targets CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson combined for 16 catches, 221 yards, and three touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Kavontae Turpin and Jalen Tolbert combined for two catches and 33 yards, leaning into Florio’s opinion that the deeper the receiver depth gets, the less likely the player is to produce.
The Verdict on Mariota
For those wondering if quarterback Marcus Mariota, starting in place of injured Jayden Daniels, might be a sneaky play in primetime against the Chiefs, Florio says to sit him as well, despite the fact the veteran has actually played well when called upon.
“When Jayden Daniels has missed time, Mariota filled in as a nice fantasy replacement. He averaged over 18 fantasy PPG in his two starts this season, but this is a week to avoid playing the fill-in starter outside of superflex leagues. The Chiefs are one of the five stingiest defenses when it comes to fantasy PPG, regular PPG, total YPG and pass TDs this season. They have allowed one top-15 fantasy QB since Week 2. Don't chase Mariota's potential for rushing production.”
Marshon Lattimore Vows to Dominate: 'Injuries Won’t Stop Me From Achieving My Goals'
Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore is not one to back down from a challenge. Despite suffering a recent injury, Lattimore is determined to come back stronger than ever and prove why he belongs in the conversation as one of the best in the NFL. In a bold statement, the four-time Pro Bowler made it clear that injuries won’t stop him from achieving his goals, and he’s focused on bringing his A-game to the field every chance he gets.
“I’m not here to just play—I’m here to dominate,” Lattimore said. “Every game is an opportunity for me to prove why I belong in the conversation as one of the best. Injuries won’t stop me from achieving my goals. I will keep pushing, and I’m going to make sure the team benefits from everything I’ve got.”
Lattimore’s unwavering confidence and determination are exactly what the Commanders need as they continue to face tough opponents. His leadership and commitment to excellence are part of what makes him one of the most respected cornerbacks in the NFL. Despite facing a setback with his injury, Lattimore is taking it in stride and is focused on his recovery. He is known for his ability to lock down top wide receivers and make key plays when the team needs them most, and his return will undoubtedly make an impact on the Commanders' defensive strategy.
The injury may have temporarily sidelined Lattimore, but his mentality is still on the offensive. He is using this time to recover and prepare for his return, knowing that he has much more to prove. “I’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m ready to show that I’m one of the top cornerbacks in the league,” he continued. “This is just another hurdle, and I will overcome it and come back even stronger.”
For Lattimore, it’s not just about getting back on the field—it’s about dominating once he does. His desire to not only return but excel at the highest level is a testament to his work ethic and drive. While the Commanders may be feeling the impact of his absence, they are confident that Lattimore’s return will elevate the defense and provide the team with the boost it needs to succeed.
As the season progresses, fans and teammates alike will be watching eagerly to see when Lattimore will return to the field and how he will continue to impact the game. With his mindset and commitment to greatness, there is little doubt that he will come back with a vengeance and continue to dominate the league for years to come.
