2010 NFL Fantasy Football Preview: Washington Redskins

The Redskins made a big splash by adding Donovan McNabb in the off season. After a couple years of actually having some weapons in the passing game, McNabb takes a major step back with Washington’s offering. He always seems to find a way to make it work though, so expect the Skins’ offense to improve.

Fantasy Playoffs Schedule —  Moderate

They open up the fantasy playoffs against Tampa Bay at home in Week 14. They then go on the road to face Dallas and Jacksonville.

Five Star Fantasy Options

None

Four Star Fantasy Options

Donovan McNabb – Normally I would give him a five star rating, but he does have an injury history, and he has the aforementioned drop-off in talent at wide receiver.

Perhaps his best options are tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis.

Three Star Fantasy Options

Clinton Portis – The Redskins brought in competition in the form of Larry Johnson and Willie Parker and McNabb’s presence alone should open things up for the ground game. If he can stay healthy, Portis brings the most to the table.

Santana Moss – Moss isn’t the player he once was, but he hasn’t had a quarterback the caliber of McNabb, perhaps ever. He is notoriously inconsistent, but he should have some big games still left in him.

Chris Cooley – The Skins have a good problem in having two talented tight ends. Mike Shanahan is gifted enough to figure out a way to get both Cooley and Davis involved in the passing game.

Redskins Defense/Special Teams – The Redskins will need Albert Haynesworth to make nice with the team to remain a decent fantasy defense. Highlights include the Rams (Week 3), Lions (Week 8), and the Bucs (Week 14).

Two Star Fantasy Options

Larry Johnson – If Portis were to go down with an injury or if he hits the wall from the extensive use in his career, LJ would be the one to step in and carry the load. I think he still has some good football left in him. It’s just a matter of how many opportunities he’ll get.

Devin Thomas – He hasn’t lived up to his expectations yet, but McNabb should help. He is not afraid to rely on young receivers. Thomas has good size (6’2″, 215lbs) and speed, he just needs to put it all together.

Fred Davis – Davis stepped in when Cooley went down and ran with his opportunity. He had 41 catches for 464 yards and six touchdowns in the Skins last ten games. The Skins can’t ignore that kind of production, especially with a sub par receiving corps.

One Star Fantasy Options

Willie Parker – If he can stay healthy, he should be able to produce in spots for the Skins. That won’t help your fantasy team go. Unless he can earn the #2 RB gig, he’s not a viable fantasy option.

Malcolm Kelly – Kelly is a 6’4 receiver that has failed to score a TD in his first 21 games in the NFL. That should change with McNabb, but don’t expect him to transform into a stud.

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