Washington’s 31-17 preseason loss to Cincinnati highlighted more winners than losers for fantasy-minded Commanders enthusiasts. Deebo Samuel’s debut injected immediate veteran juice, while Chris Rodriguez Jr. flashed a decisive, vision-forward style that could elevate Washington’s backfield. Luke McCaffrey faced a tougher road, Jaylin Lane impressed as a developing option, and Sam Hartman’s bumpier night underscored the quarterback competition’s murkiness. Frankie Luvu generated pressure and showed versatility, while backs like Croskey-Merritt signaled how crowded the room could get if a Robinson trade unfolds before Week 1.

Rodriguez’s 40-yard burst set the tone, Samuel’s first carry added a spark, and Lane’s third-down receptions suggested a path for a mid-round rookie to carve a role. Hartman’s shoulder concerns and Hartman’s early rhythm created questions about the immediate floor for the passing game, but Washington still ran a compact, multiple-back offense that could surprise fantasy managers if the depth chart clears. The Commanders now host Baltimore on a short week, making the final tune-up critical for roster decisions and early-season projections.

In short, Rodriguez and Lane emerged as the clearest fantasy-friendly signals, while Hartman’s health and the receiver grouping offer the most room for volatility. Samuel’s arrival keeps the offense dynamic, but the path to weekly production depends on roster rigidity and how Washington uses its revamped depth across both backfield and pass-catching roles. As the roster crystallizes, savvy fantasy players should watch how the Week 3 reps translate to real-season opportunity.

Washington’s Week 2 preseason date with Cincinnati doubles as a final dress rehearsal for six players fighting for a 53-man spot. Sam Hartman needs a clean, impactful showing to boost his case for a No. 3 QB role and potentially snag a practice-squad path in 2025, while Chris Paul continues to cement himself as a lock to stick, pending a couple of snaps that test his space-moving ability in Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. Chris Rodriguez Jr. headlines the running backs, needing to outpace a crowded room and prove he can handle more than special-teams duty as Washington trims its backfield.

On the receiving side, Ja'Corey Brooks has emerged as a sleeper with a chance to crack the final roster if he shows he can contribute on special teams and deliver after the catch. Jalyn Holmes is a veteran edge presence whose versatility could earn him a rotation spot, and Kain Medrano’s aggressive, hybrid-safety role keeps him squarely in the competition. The game also serves as a final evaluator for the Commanders’ depth along the lines and at linebacker, with the staff watching how these six key players respond to adversity and pressure in prime-time action.

Fantasy takeaway: Hartman is a long-shot but worth monitoring for a late-upside move or practice-squad waitlist, while Paul’s steadiness could push him into a regular-season role if he continues to show mobility and pass protection. Rodriguez Jr. is the truest in-season wild card among the group—watch snaps, blocking, and usage to gauge his add/stash value. Brooks, Holmes, and Medrano each offer late-round intrigue for dynasty or keeper formats if they rise in the final two preseason games.

Washington’s first preseason showing underscored a crowded battle for spots as cuts loom. The night highlighted several players who still must prove they belong on a 53-man roster, with quarterback depth and the offensive line at the center of questions. Sam Hartman and Josh Johnson each had chances to establish the QB3 pecking order, while Hartman flashed upside despite a rough night that produced an INT and inefficient rhythm. On the back end, Car’lin Vigers impressed with length and smooth coverage, yet needs more bully in the run game to lock a corner slot. Foster Sarell faced stiff competition at tackle, especially with George Fant and Cam Fleming on the radar, suggesting one more audition could decide Sarell’s fate. Duke Riley’s presence underscores Washington’s willingness to shuffle depth at linebacker, while the Monday night tilt against Cincinnati will be a decisive arena for these five club hopefuls to cement roles before final cuts.