Commanders face a pivotal decision at QB Sunday as Daniels possibly returns from a knee sprain to face Crosby and the Raiders, while Mariota waits in the wings. Crosby’s relentless pressure looms, testing rookie Josh Conerly Jr. and amplifying the duel up front. Brock Bowers presents a matchup nightmare for Washington’s defense, which also must contend with Geno Smith’s ability to push the ball downfield. With Ekeler out and a few other Washington skill players banged up, this game doubles as a fantasy chess match with turnovers and explosive plays at the center.

Washington aims to rebound after Green Bay while Oakland’s defense, led by Crosby, looks to dominate. Joe Whitt Jr. emphasizes ball security and eye discipline as the key to forcing turnovers. Sunday’s 1 p.m. kickoff pits a 1-1 Raiders squad against a 1-1 Commanders squad, setting the stage for a crucial divisional-style fantasy showdown with several injury replaces and big-play opportunities.

Oregon’s 2024 roster talent is already making NFL waves. Conerly Jr. earned a starting role with Washington, Bruch and Caldwell flashed in Arizona and LA respectively, while Harmon and Ferguson are positioned for big front-seven impacts after camp. Bassa and Reed impressed for KC and LA, Herbert carved out preseason run with Jacksonville, James isn’t active yet, and Cornelius shows camp potential in Dallas. Ducks’ NFL imprint across rookies is growing fast.

Eight Ducks draftees and several UFAs hit the ground running in camps and preseason, signaling a fertile pipeline for fantasy sleepers and late-round picks. Injuries and depth charts will shape early-season roles, but the initial NFL debuts suggest several Ducks could become staple depth players with weekly upside as the season unfolds.

Washington Commanders opened the season with a 21-6 win over the Giants, bolstered by a stingy defense and a 432-yard offensive effort hampered by penalties. The outing put rookie Josh Conerly Jr. in the spotlight as he handled a daunting lineup and showed growth despite a couple of rough moments.

Dan Quinn praised Conerly’s willingness to chase adversity and noted his improvement from training camp to New England, framing the rookie’s rough spells as fuel for rapid development. A short week awaits against Green Bay (and Micah Parsons), a true test of the left-handers’ ceiling and Washington’s line success in fantasy terms.

The New York Giants open the 2025 season against Washington with three key fantasy angles. First, the Giants’ pass rush faces Josh Conerly in his NFL debut, a rookie right tackle who could struggle with speed-to-power and quick bursts up the middle. That pressure could spark sacks and forced plays early.

Second, Malik Nabers steps into a bigger role as he draws Marshon Lattimore in a prime matchup; Nabers’ explosiveness could yield big plays if he beats one-on-one coverage and helps unlock play-action connects for Wilson.

Third, Tyrone Tracy Jr. is charged with carrying the ground game against Washington’s front seven. If he gets going, New York can control possession and set up efficient play-action, especially behind a healthier Thomas-led line.