We now have a pretty solid sample size that tells us a story of a Washington Nationals team that can absolutely rake. Fresh off a three-game sweep against the New York Mets, Washington heads into the week with a 13-5 record and in first place in the NL East. 

Sunday's 6-3 win over New York was powered by a grand slam from ex-Mets Daniel Murphy and yet another homer from Ryan Zimmerman. Now, 18 games into the season and Washington is averaging well over five runs per game. 

It's primarily been a foursome in the lineup that's done the damage for this team. Including his grand slam on Sunday, Murphy is hitting .324 with three homers and 14 RBI. He's also added seven doubles and boasts a .359 on-base percentage. Though, Murphy has not even come close to being the most-impressive Nationals hitter thus far. 

Instead, that distinction goes to all-everything outfielder Bryce Harper, who is hitting at a robust .400 with a .524 OBP. He's also hit seven homers, drove in 20 runs, scored 22 runs and has 13 extra-base hits. That's just an absurd stat line here. 

What's helped Harper rebounds from a down 2016 season is the protection he's getting below him in the lineup. Zimmerman boasts a .387 average and .441 OBP with six homers and 16 RBI. Meanwhile, both Adam Eaton and Matt Wieters are off to hot starts as well. 

This is surely something to keep an eye on from a fantasy perspective. Should Harper continue to rake at the plate, it will provide those hitting ahead of him in the lineup with better pitches to hit. Should those behind him in the lineup continue to pull their weight, Harper will be in store for a season similar to his 2015 MVP performance.