Washington opened with a 21-6 win that spotlighted Croskey-Merritt as a new rushing spark and Deebo Samuel as the primary receiving option, with Jayden Daniels showing mobility and efficiency. Samuel piled up 77 receiving yards and a 19-yard TD, while Croskey-Merritt added an early TD and a late burst to close out the win. Washington’s defense, led by Daron Payne, steadied after a penalty-heavy day but faces a tougher test at Green Bay on a short week.

The performance hints at fantasy upside for Samuel as a volume-driven receiver in this offense, and Croskey-Merritt could emerge as a season-long sleeper in the Commanders’ backfield as the competition thins. Daniels’ legs supplied additional fantasy taxi-squad value, while the defense offered week-winning upside with red-zone stops and sacks.