Cincinnati opened preseason on a high note, riding Joe Burrow’s efficiency and a flourishing connection with Charlie Jones as Cincinnati rolled to a 31-17 win over Washington. Burrow steered three possessions, completing 9 of 14 passes for 62 yards, including a 4-yard TD to Jones on his final throw. Chase Brown capped a 58-yard opening march with a 1-yard TD on fourth-and-goal. The Bengals used starters more, scoring TDs on four of five Burrow-led drives across two exhibition games, signaling a sharp start to the regular season grind for fantasy rosters.

Washington’s lone Daniels appearance flashed athleticism without passing, as the reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year scampered for a 14-yard TD late in the first half while the Commanders protected him behind a thinned OL and wet field. Jacory Croskey-Merritt stood out as a training-camp darling with a 27-yard TD run late in the second quarter, and Chris Rodriguez piled up 62 rushing yards to boost his rotation odds. Washington leaned on its run game and chipped-in field goals, underscoring backfield uncertainty and potential late-round upside for fantasy drafters.

Notes stacked on both sides: Cincinnati’s Myles Murphy remains sidelined, Trey Hendrickson sat out, and the depth chart keeps shifting behind Burrow’s likely Week 1 workload. Washington cut into its own plans, with McLaurin absent amid a contract dispute and young backs like Croskey-Merritt showing promise. Mitchell Tinsley snagged two late first-half TDs for Cincinnati off Jake Browning’s throws, a reminder of how the depth chart can surprise in fantasy leagues. Up next, Cincinnati welcomes Indianapolis, while Washington closes its preseason against Baltimore.

The spotlight on the Commanders-Bengals preseason tilt wasn’t about stars lighting up the scoreboard so much as who didn’t play and what it could mean for rosters and fantasy value. Trey Hendrickson’s hold-in keeps his pass-rush ceiling in question for Cincinnati, while Washington’s off-field drama surrounding Terry McLaurin’s contract stalemate and Brian Robinson Jr.’s status points to a fluid backfield and receiver pecking order ahead of the season. On the field, Cincinnati kicked off with Joe Burrow under center, and Jayden Daniels followed for Washington in a showcase that underscored the offense’s early rhythm (two Burrow TD drives, a Daniels highlight run) despite defensive miscues.

Mitchell Tinsley stole the show for Cincinnati, snagging two touchdown catches in a rapid-fire sequence and finishing with five grabs for 73 yards, raising the ceiling for a rookie path to a roster spot. Washington’s Jaylin Lane flashed; his three catches for 42 yards included a remarkable diving grab, hinting at a potential Week 1 boost if McLaurin remains out. The Commanders also leaned into a reshaped rushing corps, with Croskey-Merritt and Rodriguez contributing as a committee over a ground game that still left some run-fit questions. Overall, the early returns suggest the Bengals may lean into shootouts again, while Washington’s depth chart remains unsettled but rich with intriguing role players for fantasy depth charts.

Washington rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, nicknamed Bill, is climbing Washington's RB depth chart after a circuitous college route. Croskey-Merritt split college time across Alabama State, New Mexico and Arizona before landing in the seventh round at pick 245. This summer he pushed up the depth chart, scoring in the preseason vs Cincinnati and opening questions about Robinson’s hold on the RB gig as the team weighs roster moves. Croskey-Merritt’s small-school grind and special-teams edge amplify his Dynasty upside if Robinson’s role dips or a trade opens more carries. The Commanders have shown confidence in his explosiveness and vision, signaling a real fantasy-store potential if workload expands.

Daniels lit Washington's preseason, sprinting for a 14-yard TD and flashing the burst and improvisational ability that fantasy managers crave from a dual-threat QB.

On the sideline, he grabbed the ball for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt’s first NFL TD, a moment Daniels called classy—and one that underscored his leadership vibe. He credited Terry McLaurin and Zach Ertz for setting the tone with him, and the feature frames him as a generational talent with a big 2025 season potential in Washington. With Croskey-Merritt flashing as a breakout rookie and McLaurin and Ertz providing proven targets, the Commanders’ offense looks primed for upside if Daniels wins the job. In dynasty terms, Daniels’ rushing floor adds a realistic QB2 ceiling, while McLaurin remains a stable WR1 and Croskey-Merritt could become a late-round spark depending on workload.

The Washington Commanders are navigating a tense window as Terry McLaurin remains unsigned and has not practiced this training camp. Coaches emphasize that real grass work is essential for timing and route depths, not just walkthroughs. With under three weeks until the regular season, there’s real concern about McLaurin regaining football shape and building on-field chemistry in time for Week 1. Fantasy managers should watch for signs of a contract breakthrough and McLaurin’s practice status, as any delay could trim his Week 1 ceiling and ripple through pass volume for Washington’s aerial attack.

Kingbury stresses the need to get players live on the grass to appraise timing and depth, signaling a push to jell as an offense. The timing and feel of routes so often separate big plays from stagnation, and the absence of full go reps could keep Washington from unleashing its full passing potential early. In this month-long sprint to kickoff, how fast McLaurin returns to full football shape will largely dictate the offense’s rhythm and fantasy upside.

Fantasy takeaway: if McLaurin signs and returns to practice swiftly, expect a robust target share and top 15 potential among wideouts. If the holdout lingers, anticipate volatility and a possibly lower floor early, making status updates and practice reports essential for Week 1 projections.