Led by rookies Alfred Morris and Robert Griffin III, Washington won its first NFC East division title since 1999, and made the playoffs for the first time in seven years. If you were lucky enough to be a member of the RGIII bandwagon before the season started, then you were probably able to snag Griffin in last season’s fantasy draft a lot later than you will see him go this season; even with him coming off of an injury and potentially missing the opening game. Morris was another fantasy stud, who, if you were intrigued enough to draft or smart enough to pick up off of waivers early, gave you a nice return on investment. The big question here is, what will the 2013 Washington Redskins bring to fantasy? Will they be able to repeat as NFC East Champs, and hopefully help you repeat as your fantasy league champ as well?
Robert Griffin III, Quarterback:
Can you still hear the chants from the Washington faithful? If you had Griffin on your fantasy team in 2012, then repetitively hearing RGIII was music to your ears. However, if you did not have the luxury of having this rookie sensation grace the presence of your roster, it is probably a much different story. As a first year starter, Griffin had a terrific season, posting 317.5 fantasy points and finishing the season as the fifth- ranked fantasy QB. Rather it is throwing for a touchdown, which he did 20 times, or rushing for one, which he did seven times, Griffin brings fantasy owners versatility and explosiveness. This season, he should be drafted very high in all fantasy drafts, as he deserves, even though he will be coming off of an injury. To me Griffin is a top-five fantasy quarterback, and should prove last year was just the beginning of a very nice career. If you are looking to draft Griffin this season, I would try and wait until the second round, solely because of the injury; but, if you believe he will not fall to you in round two, then by all means select him. While I strongly believe Griffin will at least be a top-10 fantasy QB this season, do not be surprised if he starts off slowly, but if he is as much of a competitor as he seems to be, then all should be fine in Washington.
2013 Stat Projection: 3,400 yards passing, 23 passing touchdowns, 10 interceptions, 5 rushing touchdowns
Alfred Morris, Running Back:
Go figure a Mike Shanahan running back would have a terrific season. Every year it seems like Shanahan’s offense produces a new star back, and last season, Morris was the lucky beneficiary. It is hard not to like the way Morris runs the football, which he did 335 times last year. Scoring 13 rushing touchdowns, he managed to finish as the fifth- ranked running back in fantasy football, which was well above other backs that were taken much earlier in drafts. He should continue to be the featured back in Washington as well, so do not be surprised to see him fly off fantasy draft boards within the first two or three rounds this year. While I think Morris will be able to produce another fantastic season, I do think it is worth noting that the Redskins selected two running backs in this year’s draft: Chris Thompson in round five and Jawan Jamison in the seventh round. Despite the cluttered backfield, Morris will still be the top back in Washington, and could be a top back yet again on your fantasy roster.
2013 Stat Projection: 315 rushing attempts, 1,525 rushing yards, 11 rushing touchdowns
Pierre Garcon, Wide Receiver:
Even though Garcon was injured for a majority of last season, he still managed to post 633 receiving yards, and haul in four touchdown grabs. He showed that when healthy, he has the ability to make big plays, and that he will be a nice receiving option for RGIII for years to come. It will be nice to see Garcon play a full season in Washington, and if he can establish himself as the favorite target of the young quarterback, expect to hear RGIII to Garcon early and often. There is a lot of young talent on the Redskins roster, and Garcon is definitely near the top of that list.
2013 Stat Projection: 95 receptions, 1,100 yards receiving, 9 receiving touchdowns
Final Thoughts:
Both RGIII and Morris will be taken early in all fantasy drafts. Neither should disappoint in 2013 either. Garcon is the top receiving option in Washington. Hopefully he can stay healthy and post huge numbers this season. Expect him to be taken in the middle rounds of all drafts. This will be a big year for tight end Fred Davis, and I am not talking about in terms of fantasy. If he cannot produce or causes trouble for the Redskins, this could be his last year in Washington. Davis should be a late round selection in your fantasy draft, even though he has all the potential to be a top- 10 fantasy tight end. If you are looking for a fantasy sleeper on this Redskins roster, then you should be eyeing receiver Leonard Hankerson. He is very quick, and has terrific hands. If he can outwork Josh Morgan for more playing time, then expect to see fantasy numbers out of Hankerson that would make him a nice flex option in 2013.