Washington rescued Javon Kinlaw with a three-year, $45 million pact after Joe Whitt Jr. publicly admitted he wanted the defensive tackle in 2024. Kinlaw’s presence is already shaping how teams block the Commanders, freeing teammates like Dorance Armstrong and easing the load on Daron Payne. Despite modest early stats, Whitt insists Kinlaw’s impact is felt in the mismatches he creates up front and the space it opens for others. The defense has moved forward this season, despite Deitrich Wise’s season-ending injury.

Kinlaw’s addition shifts the interior pressure away from Payne, who has 12 tackles through three games, while Kinlaw has five but is drawing double teams and command attention that unlocks other rushers. The trio of Armstrong and others is seeing more chances, and the unit as a whole sits ahead of last year’s start. The Jets stint and Kinlaw’s 49ers past frame a career arc that now points to a stable Commanders front with fantasy upside beyond Kinlaw alone.

Washington Commanders unleashed a three-phase onslaught to power past the Raiders 41-24 with Marcus Mariota stepping in for the injured Jayden Daniels. A 90-yard opening spark from Jaylin Lane kickstarted a second-half surge that featured a 201-yard rushing attack and a clean, explosive effort from Mariota (207 passing yards, 1 TD, plus 40 rushing). Washington’s defense harassed Geno Smith all day, while special teams created the momentum with Lane’s return and Deebo Samuel’s big-play kickoff.

Dan Quinn’s sideline moment — absorbing a full-speed hit and pushing his team to finish strong — set a gritty tone, echoed by Frankie Luvu delivering the game ball to his coach. For fantasy players, Mariota’s presence, Washington’s run-heavy balance, and Lane’s big-play upside emerge as weekly considerations, especially if Daniels remains limited.

Washington’s Week 2 prep for Thursday at Green Bay centers on leadership and clarity. Captains Zach Ertz, Frankie Luvu and Nick Bellore anchor the locker room as Dan Quinn framed the short week as a chance to teach, unite, and execute with toughness. Punter health remains a theme with Will Tress Way expected to punt in Green Bay despite Mitch Wishnowsky’s addition to the practice squad. Quinn stressed role definition and finishing plays, while the offense looks to running backs and space creation to fuel the attack.

Ekeler’s space-creation prowess is highlighted as a positive spark, while the team emphasizes communication and resilience amid chaos. The notes underscore an identity-building process: accountability, effort, and technique over perfect execution on a high-velocity short week, with an eye toward Week 2 energy and momentum.

Zach Ertz, Frankie Luvu, and Nick Bellore were named captains for tonight’s Packers game, signaling leadership across offense, defense, and special teams. Ertz is the clear fantasy anchor if the game plan leans on the short-to-intermediate game, while Luvu adds pass-rush upside and tackle potential in a high-leverage matchup. Bellore’s leadership could buoy Packers’ linebacking and ST units, though fantasy impact from Bellore is likely limited to tackles in favorable scenarios.

In DFS and season-long, prioritize Ertz as a streamer with solid target floor if the Packers rely on quick throws. Luvu becomes a speculative play in sack-heavy formats or if the defense pressures the opponent’s QB into hurried throws. Bellore is a deeper, wait-and-see option, primarily for those accounting for special-teams points and defensive stops.