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Fantasy football impact: Recent trends and stories to know

By Matthew Catalano

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins against the New England Patriots during third quarter action at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Dec. 02, 2018. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 2: Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins against the New England Patriots during third quarter action at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Dec. 02, 2018. (Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch for a touchdown in the first half during the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on September 08, 2019 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 08: Washington Redskins Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin (17) makes a catch for a touchdown in the first half during the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles on September 08, 2019 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Terry McLaurin is Soaring in Our Nation’s Capital

Prior to the start of the 2019 regular season, there wasn’t much to be excited about for the Washington Redskins’ offense. The backfield was a mystery, their quarterback is mediocre at best, and their receivers weren’t guys any of us were primarily considering to draft on our fantasy squads. In other words, they aren’t household names most people would know.

Well, that has all changed now as there is a new breakout star in our midst. His name is Terry McLaurin, and the Redskins appear to be thrilled that they may have found a dependable receiver in their corps.

In just two games, McLaurin possesses the eleventh-most receiving yards (93.5/gm) and the eighth-most team pass plays of all receivers in the NFL (42.0).

McLaurin first burst onto the scene in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles where he caught five passes on seven targets for 125 yards and a score. He then followed that up with a solid performance against the Dallas Cowboys catching five out of nine passes for 62 yards and a touchdown.

Aside from McLaurin, there really isn’t any other target in Washington’s passing game that poses much of a threat. This means that the Redskins will most likely lean on McLaurin as their primary target for their air-attack.

But wait, there’s even more good news for fantasy managers who have McLaurin on their roster and that is Washington will be playing from behind in a lot of games. This in turn, will force the Redskins to abandon the run and switch over to the air in order to catch up.

McLaurin could see a bundle of opportunities come his way in those scenarios making him even more valuable in fantasy. He’s currently averaging eight targets per game which is really good, but if Washington continues to struggle throughout the year, we could see that average balloon a little.

For the time being, McLaurin is a worthy flex play but if he continues to be impressive, then he can move up to be a WR2 candidate.

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