The Commanders ranked 22nd in scoring defense (359.3 YPG) and 25th in scoring defense (25.5 PPG) last year, though DC Jack Del Rio is back for another season.

Analysis: Washington delivered strong results in 2020 and had high expectations last season with a young and talent-laden front seven, but it failed to produce even a decent campaign. DEs Chase Young and Montez Sweat missed time with injuries and combined for only 6.5 sacks in 19 games, and having that pair healthy and producing will be paramount to the unit's success in 2022. The Commanders return the bulk of their defensive unit and are mostly relying on a rebound campaign after the disappointment of…read more

Washington allowed 330 yards and 20 points during the Week 17 loss to the Eagles and plays the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team D/ST had a solid on-field performance, though it translated to minimal fantasy output with only one sack and zero takeaways. The outlook for the season finale improves dramatically, as the Giants offense has scored 10 points or fewer in four of the past five games with QB Daniel Jones (neck) sidelined. Jake Fromm will start under center this weekend, and he's completed 12 of 29 passes for 107 yards with zero touchdowns and one interception in his two appearances this season.…read more

Washington allowed 497 yards and 49 offensive points during the Week 17 loss to Dallas and play Philadelphia on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a complete debacle in all phases for the Football Team, as the Cowboys put up 42 points in the first half as they dominated from start to finish. Washington previously hadn't surrendered 30-plus points since the sixth game of the season, but the unit is now trending in the wrong direction at the close of the campaign. RB Miles Sanders (hand) will be out this weekend, QB Jalen Hurts should still have enough weapons in WR DeVonta Smitha and TE Dallas Goedert to make the Washington D/ST a…read more

Washington allowed 519 yards and 27 points during the Week 15 loss to Philadelphia and plays Dallas on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team D/ST came away with takeaways on the Eagles' first two drives but mustered only three sacks the rest of the way while giving up 238 yards on the ground. Dallas will likely attempt a similar approach with RBs Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard, though QB Dak Prescott can still get it done through the air despite some recent inconsistencies. The Washington D/ST is a poor option for Week 16.

Washington allowed 323 yards and 20 offensive points during the Week 14 loss to Dallas and play Philadelphia on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team already had a solid defensive performance with four sacks and one takeaway when LB Cole Holcomb came through with a pick-six in the fourth quarter. The Eagles come off their bye week having scored 30-plus points in three of the past four games, with QB Jalen Hurts rushing for 263 yards and three scores during that stretch. It's not a great matchup and the Washington D/ST is a below-average option for Week 15.

Washington allowed 310 yards and 15 points during the Week 13 win over Las Vegas and play Dallas on Sunday.

Analysis: The Washington D/ST wasn't flashy with just two sacks and zero takeaways, but it was another strong effort as its allowing only 17.4 points over the past five contests. However, the solid run of play hasn't resulted in much fantasy production, as the unit has only four takeaways and nine sacks during that stretch. QB Dak Prescott now has his full complement of weapons with Dallas back at full strength health-wise, leaving the Washington D/ST as a below-average option despite its recent form.

Washington allowed 267 yards and 15 points during the Week 12 win over Seattle and plays Las Vegas on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Russell Wilson continues to struggle since his return from injured reserve, as the Seahawks managed a mere 10 first downs. The Football team had two sacks, one takeaway and a safety for a decent fantasy performance. Meanwhile the Raiders put up 36 points on the Cowboys last week, but TE Darren Waller (knee) may not be available. The Washington D/ST is a below-average option for Week 13, but the absence of the top receiving option would make it a more favorable matchup.

Washington gave up 297 yards and 21 points during the Week 11 win over Carolina and plays Seattle on Monday.

Analysis: It wasn't a bad showing from the Football Team, but there was minimal fantasy production with zero takeaways and one sack. The Seahawks have scored only 13 points in two games since the return of QB Russell Wilson, as the offense has looked sluggish at best. WRs D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett remain elite options on the outside, but they haven't been significant factors the past couple weeks. Seattle generally takes good care of the ball, so there's not a ton of upside even if the offense…read more

DE Chase Young (knee) will miss the rest of the season for Washington, which will play Carolina on Sunday.

Analysis: It's a brutal development for the Football Team, which limited QB Tom Brady and the Bucs to 19 points last week. The Panthers will have QB Cam Newton under center if he's ready, otherwise he'll fill a niche role while P.J. Walker starts. Regardless, Carolina is coming off a big win against Arizona, with RB Christian McCaffrey accounting for 161 yards from scrimmage. The Washington D/ST has performed better of late but has yet to have even one performance where it reached its preseason…read more

Washington ranks 29th in total defense (389.4 YPG) and 29th in scoring (28.4 PPG) entering Sunday's game against Tampa Bay.

Analysis: The Washington D/ST played a bit better across the final three games heading into the Week 9 bye (which still only resulted in modest production), but it will now be going up against the highest-scoring offense in the league this weekend. QB Tom Brady looks as good as ever in 2021, Washington should be in consideration for Week 10 but could become an option down the stretch if it continues its defensive improvement from before the bye week.

Washington allowed 304 yards and 24 points during the Week 7 loss to Green Bay and play Denver on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team had a solid defensive performance with one takeaway and three sacks, as the Packers ran only 53 offensive plays in the contest. Meanwhile, the Broncos are averaging 16.0 points during their four-game losing streak and also ranked tied-27th in sacks allowed (21) tied-18th in giveaways (nine) overall this season. Washington has yet to live up to its lofty defensive expectations but has six sacks and four takeaways over the past two games. The Washington D/ST has yet to provide…read more

Washington surrendered 499 yards and 31 points during the Week 6 loss to Kansas City and plays Green Bay on Sunday.

Analysis: Kansas City was able to move the ball throughout the day, though the turnover issues continued, as Washington notched three takeaways and three sacks to salvage some fantasy value. It was the unit's most productive game of the season, which is a good indication of just how poor its been across the first six weeks of the season. QB Aaron Rodgers and the Packers have looked like an elite offense since laying an egg in the season opener, and their strong ball security makes a poor matchup for the…read more

Washington allowed 33 points and 369 yards during the Week 5 loss to the Saints and plays the Chiefs on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football team limited New Orleans to 18 first downs but allowed 8.5 yards per pass while recording two sacks and two takeaways. Astonishingly, it's the first time since the season opener Washington has produced any takeaways. QB Patrick Mahomes has endured some struggles with six interceptions through five games, but he still has 17 total touchdowns and has Kansas City averaging 30.8 PPG despite tying for the league lead in giveaways (11). The Washington D/ST should be considered is one of…read more

Washington allowed 374 yards and 30 points during the Week 4 win over Atlanta and plays New Orleans on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team's vaunted pass rush managed only one sack of QB Matt Ryan to continue it's ugly defensive start to the season. The Washington D/ST was expected to be a top-tier option for 2021, but instead it ranks tied-23rd in sacks (seven), tied-25th in takeaways (two) and 30th in scoring defense (30.5 PPG). Simply put, it's been an unmitigated disaster through four games. The Saints have been inconsistently offensively under QB Jameis Winston, but he's taken much better care of the ball…read more

Washington surrendered 43 points and 481 yards during the Week 3 loss to Buffalo and play Atlanta on Sunday.

Analysis: QB Josh Allen averaged 8.3 yards on 43 pass attempts, while the Football Team was unable to record a sack or a takeaway in the contest. It's yet another blemish on a bad start to 2021 for the Washington D/ST, as it's given up 72 points over the past two games and has only six sacks and two takeaways overall. The Football Team had high defensive aspirations this season but has fallen flat so far, but it has a solid opportunity to get back on track Week 4 and is a decent option against an Atlanta…read more

Washington surrendered 391 yards and 30 points during the Week 2 win over the Giants and play the Bills on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team allowed 163 rushing yards on 5.8 yards per carry without notching a takeaway, though it did have four sacks. It was another underwhelming performance for the Washington defense, which will now be lining up against one of the best offenses in the league. QB Josh Allen led the Bills to a 35-0 win over the Dolphins last week, and WR Stefon Diggs will be a tough cover in Week 3. The Washington D/ST should be passed over this week due its poor start to the season and the brutal…read more

Washington surrendered 20 points and 424 yards Week 1 against the Chargers and play the Giants on Thursday.

Analysis: The Football Team tallied two takeaways and two sacks (for only negative-three yards), but Los Angeles went 14-for-19 on third down and dominated the game flow. The third-down performance was the glaring problem in what was an underwhelming performance in Week 1. New York managed only 13 points its season opener against Denver and QB Daniel Jones has dealt with issues protecting the ball, so it's a prime opportunity for the Washington D/ST to reach its high-scoring potential in fantasy.

Washington's starting defense is fully healthy heading into Sunday's season opener against the Chargers.

Analysis: The Football Team came through the preseason without suffering any significant defensive injuries and will face off against second-year QB Justin Herbert in Week 1. Herbert won Rookie of the Year honors and is poised for a big sophomore campaign with WR Keenan Allen remaining his top threat in the passing game, but RB Austin Ekeler's status for this weekend is in question due to a hamstring issue. The Washington D/ST remains a solid option for Week 1 regardless thanks to its elite pass rush and…read more

CB Torry McTyer suffered a concussion during the preseason finale against the Ravens.

Analysis: McTyer inked a reserve/future contract with Washington in January and appears to have cracked the season-opening roster despite recently suffering the concussion. The Football Team is largely in good health at the close of the preseason, which is all that truly matter at the close of the exhibition run. The Washington D/ST is poised for another big season with a top-level pass rush and revamped secondary.

Washington inked Jonathan Allen to a four-year, $72 million extension in late July.

Analysis: Allen has been a key piece on Washington's defensive line since being 17th overall in 2017, and he'll remain with the team for the foreseeable future. The Football Team features a bevy of talent up front, and it bolstered the secondary this offseason by signing CB William Jackson (three years, $42 million) and drafting Benjamin St-Juste in the third round. Washington's pass rush should put it in the top-tier of fantasy defenses in 2021.

Washington inked CB William Jackson to a three-year, $42 million deal this offseason.

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Washington allowed 14 offensive points and 280 yards during the Week 16 loss to Carolina and plays Philadelphia on Sunday.

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Washington gave up 302 yards and 20 points during the Week 15 loss to Seattle and play Carolina on Sunday.

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Washington gave up 344 yards and 15 points during the Week 14 win over San Francisco and plays Seattle on Sunday.

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Washington allowed 326 yards and 17 points during the Week 13 win over Pittsburgh and plays San Francisco on Sunday.

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Washington allowed 247 yards and 16 points during the Week 12 win over Dallas and play Pittsburgh on Monday.

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Washington gave up 272 yards and nine points during the Week 11 win over the Bengals and play the Cowboys on Thursday.

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Washington allowed 372 yards and 30 points during the Week 10 loss to Detroit and play Cincinnati on Sunday.

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Washington gave up 350 yards and 23 points during the Week 9 loss to the Giants and play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a rare circumstance for New York as it didn't have any giveaways, though Washington still recorded five sacks. The five giveaways from the Football Team's own offense certainly didn't help their defensive prospects, as the Giants needed only 16 yards to score their first touchdown. Washington ranks fourth in sacks (27), fifth in total defense (314.3 YPG), 11th in scoring (23.5 PPG) and tied-20th in takeaways (nine). If WR Kenny Golladay (hip) is unavailable again this week, the…read more

Washington comes out of its bye ranked fourth in total defense (309.1 YPG) and 11th in scoring defense (23.6 PPG) as it is set to face the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team has been solid defensively in 2020 with 22 sacks (sixth) and nine takeaways (tied-19th), and it comes out of the bye week with an attractive matchup. The Giants rank tied-29th in giveaways (15), tied-26th in sacks allowed (23) and 31st in scoring (18.1 PPG). The Washington D/ST will understandably be a popular choice while going up against turnover-prone QB Daniel Jones in Week 9.

Washington gave up 240 yards and 13 points during the Week 6 loss to the Giants and play the Cowboys on Sunday.

Analysis: It was a strong performance from the football team, but a late fumble return for a touchdown from Big Blue shifted the balance of the game. Washington kept the offense in check all afternoon, but only one sack and one takeaway resulted in a missed opportunity against a mistake-prone offense. The Cowboys struggled mightily in their first full game without QB Dak Prescott (ankle), scoring only 10 points and committing four turnovers, including two picks from QB Andy Dalton. Dallas has a…read more

Washington surrendered 429 yards and 30 points during the Week 5 loss to the Rams and play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team didn't offer much defensively with one sack and one takeaway while QB Jared Goff had a 10.3 YPA, but that was much better an its own offense, which managed only 108 total yards. Week 6 present a much more lucrative matchup, as New York features one of the worst offenses in the league across the board. DE Chase Young also returned for the Washington D/ST as it figures to be a popular streaming option versus Big Blue.

Washington allowed 31 points and 350 yards to the Ravens during Week 4 and play the Rams on Sunday.

Analysis: The Football Team wasn't really in fantasy consideration last week given the matchup, but it did have some minor production with two takeaways and a sack for anyone willing to pull the trigger. Washington is tied-ninth in takeaways (six), tied-third in sacks (14) and seventh in yardage (338.3 YPG), but it ranks 22nd in scoring defense (28 PPG). Los Angeles put up only 17 points on the Giants last week, but it averaged 34.5 points over the previous two contests. The Washington D/ST isn't a…read more

DE Chase Young sustained a groin injury during Week 3 and his status is in doubt for Sunday's game against the Ravens.

Analysis: The Football team allowed only 300 yards and had a pair of sacks, but the Browns often worked with a short field thanks to five giveaways from the offense. Young has yet to receive a timeline for his return, but the Washington D/ST isn't a viable option against the Ravens' high-powered offense, regardless of Young's availability this week.

Washington allowed 30 points and 438 yards during Sunday's loss to Arizona and play Cleveland in Week 3.

Analysis: The Football Team had three sacks and one takeaway but struggled to slow down QB Kyler Murray for most of the day. Washington is a good bet to pick up multiple sacks most weeks, but the deficiencies behind the talented pass rush limit the ceiling of the defense. The Browns managed only six points in the season opener but put up 35 points in Week 2, and they have only given up two sacks. Washington's D/ST keeps it as a middling option for Week 3, through it carries some risk.

Washington racked up eight sacks against Philadelphia in the season opener and will play Arizona in Week 2.

Analysis: Washington's defensive front dominated the contest, and the constant pressure helped lead to three takeaways. QB Kyler Murray's escapability figures to provide a more significant challenge this week. Washington has the talent up front to create havoc against most offenses, and that remains the case in Week 2.

Kendall Fuller (calf) is doubtful for Sunday's season opener against the Eagles.

Analysis: Washington is likely to be without one of its top-two corners, though Philadelphia will be without WR Alshon Jeffery (foot), while RB Miles Sanders (hamstring) is questionable. Washington's strength is undoubtedly up front with a quintet of first-round picks, and the Eagles are missing LT Andre Dillard (biceps) and RG Brandon Brooks (Achilles), and RT Lane Johnson (ankle) is questionable. Even if Johnson plays, Washington has the talent to create some problems up front. QB Carson Wentz could…read more

New defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is transitioning Washington from a 3-4 defense to a 4-3 defense in 2020.

Analysis: The move will allow the team to better take advantage of the talent along the defensive line, which includes 2020 second overall pick Chase Young, Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, Ryan Kerrigan and Montez Sweat. The pass rush in 2019 was solid (10th with 46 sacks), but the position groups behind them leave something to be desired. Washington's talent up front should allow it to be fantasy relevant at times, but it's unlikely to be a reliable option week-to-week.

The Redskins gave up 552 yards and 41 points to the Giants in Week 16 and play the Cowboys in the season finale.

Analysis: Washington had one sack and zero takeaways against one of the most turnover-prone offenses in the league, providing zero fantasy value in Week 16. The Redskins have been a solid defensive unit at times in 2019, but there's little reason to have confidence in them heading into a Week 17 matchup with the Cowboys, which average 425.8 YPG and 25.8 PPG.

The Redskins surrendered 31 offensive points and 415 yards to Eagles Week 15 and play the Giants on Sunday.

Analysis: Washington had two sacks and one takeaway but generally struggled to get off the field, allowing 11 of 16 third-down conversions. Week 16 against the Giants presents a friendlier matchup, though QB Daniel Jones (ankle) is expected to return from his two-game absence. The rookie QB has committed 21 turnovers, so there should still be plenty of playmaking chances for the Redskins. The Washington D/ST ranks tied-7th in sacks (42) and tied-10th in takeaways (21) despite their struggles elsewhere,…read more

The Redskins allowed 341 yards during the 20-15, Week 14 loss to the Packers and play the Eagles on Sunday.

Analysis: Washington appeared set to be blown out after surrendered 14 points during the first quarter, but it played well the rest of the afternoon and gave up only a pair of field goals. The Redskins provided decent value with one takeaway and four sacks, and the defensive unit has been fairly productive over the last four contests with 17 sacks and seven takeaways. Facing a scuffling Eagles offense in Week 15 wouldn't be the worst play in the world, but it was still be a risky proposition for a…read more

The Redskins held the Panthers to 278 yards and 21 points in Week 13 and will play the Packers on Sunday.

Analysis: Washington allowed a mere 3.8 yards per play as it stifled the Carolina offense most of the day, thanks in part to seven sacks and two takeaways. The Redskins ranked tied-seventh in takeaways (19) and ninth in sacks (36), so the production is there in the right matchup. However, the Packers have the second-fewest giveaways in the league (eight) and don't fit that criteria. Better defensive options should be available for Week 14.

The Redskins had four takeaways during the Week 12, 19-16 win over the Lions and play the Panthers on Sunday.

Analysis: Steven Sims added Washington's only touchdown of the game with a 91-yard kick return TD, while the defense also recorded six sacks. Overall it was an outstanding performance, as the Redskins tied-seventh in takeaways (17) and tied-14th in sacks (29). The matchup with Carolina this week isn't overly daunting, but Washington's 28th-ranked rush defense (137.6 YPG) could prove problematic when facing RB Christian McCaffrey. The Redskins have proven to be a decent defensive unit at times this…read more

The Redskins allowed 400 yards during the 34-17, Week 11 loss to the Jets and will play the Lions on Sunday.

Analysis: Washington had two sacks and a pair of takeaways but gave up 8.6 yards per pass in the defeat. Backup QB Jeff Driskel is set to receive another start for the Lions, but he's actually played relatively well in relief of Matthew Stafford (back). The Washington D/ST will always be at a disadvantage due to their own offensive issues, and Detroit hasn't struggled enough under Driskel to warrant consideration for Week 12.