The Commanders have plenty of questions heading into Week 1, but there’s still fantasy value to be found in Washington. From Jayden Daniels to Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs, these three players could make a major impact for fantasy managers in 2026.
While the Washington Commanders enter Week 1 with plenty of question marks, there are still a few players on this roster who could have a significant impact for fantasy managers this season.
Here are three Commanders who could make a major impact on your PPR (Points Per Reception) fantasy football team this season:
1. Jayden Daniels (QB)
Aug 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) throws passes during pregame warmups before their preseason game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesAfter a disappointing season marked by injuries, quarterback Jayden Daniels is ready to remind the league who he is. He is projected to average 21.6 PPR points per game this season. During his rookie year in 2024, Daniels averaged 20.6 PPR points per game, which ranked among the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year missed 10 games during the 2025 season due to injury, but still averaged a respectable 16.6 PPR points per game in the seven games he played. The sky is the limit for Daniels as long as he can stay healthy and get the protection he needs from his offensive line.
2. Terry McLaurin (WR)
Aug 22, 2026; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) on the sidelines during their game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn ImagesWide receiver Terry McLaurin is ready to bounce back after a 2025 season riddled with injuries. He missed seven games and averaged just 11.4 PPR points per game. During Daniels’ rookie season, McLaurin averaged 15.9 PPR points per game. This season, he is projected to average 12.9 PPR points per game as he shares targets with newly acquired wide receiver Stefon Diggs. Still, McLaurin’s production should increase if he can stay healthy, and the same can be said for Daniels. The connection was there during the 2024 season, so who’s to say it can’t flourish again?
3. Stefon Diggs (WR)
Aug 28, 2026; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Stefon Diggs (3) sits on the bench during the first quarter of the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn ImagesFormer Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs will be a nice addition to the Commanders’ wide receiver room. Last season in New England, he recorded 85 receptions for more than 1,000 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged 12.4 PPR points per game, which ranked 17th among NFL wide receivers. This season, he is projected to only average 10 PPR points per game. Diggs was arguably the only WR1-caliber player on the Patriots last season, so it makes sense that his numbers could dip while sharing targets with McLaurin. However, Diggs is Washington’s established No. 2 wide receiver, and if McLaurin were to go down again, Diggs could be in for another field day.
Daniels, McLaurin and Diggs all have the talent to make an impact, but staying healthy and finding the right balance in Washington’s offense will be key to maximizing their fantasy production.
