Terry McLaurin
vs Zay Flowers

“McLaurin: Targets and share held roughly flat (27.0% adjusted → 28.1% adjusted), continuing as Washington’s clear passing-game priority — but for the second straight week, a real, meaningful gain of his was taken away by replay review (see Replay Reversal above).”

“Against two high, McLaurin has had a 24% target-per-route-run rate, but he has produced only 1.12 YPRR. Even if the coverage structure leaned in McLaurin’s favor, I wouldn’t expect much from him against a secondary that has allowed the fourth-fewest yards per target and fantasy points per target to perimeter wide receivers this season. Sit McLaurin this week, if possible.”

“Terry McLaurin has also struggled to start the season, but his outlook for the near future is not as bright as Jamo’s. Jayden Daniels ’ elbow injury makes McLaurin a shaky flex play until he returns. Carnell Tate might end up being a product of a bad situation with Cam Ward struggling so far, and he can stay on your bench until something changes.”

“Though he led the Commanders in targets (9) and receiving yards (50), McLaurin’s season-long outlook is concerning because of the rise of Stefon Diggs and the nasty, dislocated elbow injury Jayden Daniels suffered. We don’t yet have a timeline for how long Daniels will be out, but I expect this injury to cost him several weeks, and veteran Marcus Mariota will fill in his stead. The major thought I had going through this weekend: if McLaurin isn’t able to have a big game against the Dallas secondary, what will it take?”

“Going back to the Commanders’ offense, Terry McLaurin had a scary bad game for a 31-year-old receiver in the late stages of his career. He finished the afternoon with just two receptions on four targets for 14 receiving yards. He managed just an 11% target share and 0.40 yards per route run (YPRR), basically just running cardio the entire game.”

“Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS) Both Finish as Wide Receiver Twos The prediction: both receivers finish this season as at least a top-24 fantasy option. Diggs isn’t washed the way public perception might suggest. He averaged a respectable points-per-game clip last year and ranked top 10 in yards per route run among receivers with 100-plus routes, along with a 90th-percentile mark in targets per route run.”

“Terry McLaurin set career highs across the board in Jayden Daniels ‘ rookie season. If Daniels can stay healthy, McLaurin is set up for another big year.”

“Terry McLaurin is still the top target in the Commanders’ passing game. I expect them to be much more successful through the air with David Blough calling plays.”

“McLaurin is a target of mine because he doesn’t have much competition for targets of his. The Commanders’ passing game is essentially McLaurin and newly signed Stefon Diggs.”

“With Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz gone, only Antonio Williams and Chig Okonkwo were added to this receiving depth chart; McLaurin should return to his target hog WR2 ways in 2026. He’s a strong bounceback candidate.”

“The yards after catch haven’t shown up either, and with Zay Flowers projected to be back in the lineup, Andrews’ target competition is only getting tougher. Until the usage changes, I’d rather chase the matchup upside somewhere else at the position. Final Thoughts Three weeks into the season, the gap between box score and underlying performance is starting to matter more than ever.”

“Zay Flowers is coming off WR12 in FPPG last season, and could have an improved situation with Declan Doyle as offensive coordinator.”

“There’s a world where Zay Flowers has the talent to be a top-5 fantasy WR if he can ever score TDs. Over 1,200 yards. 86 catches and 5 TDs (WR7) in 2025. WR3 over the last five games. 4+ catches in 13 of his 17 games: a testament to his reliable floor and consistent involvement.”

“Zay Flowers will be the focal point of the passing attack, leading Baltimore in targets. However, Lane is competing with Rashod Bateman and an aging Mark Andrews for the No.”

“Zay Flowers dominated Baltimore’s passing game in 2025 and remains Lamar Jackson’s most trusted target.”

“Zay Flowers (WR – BAL) “ Zay Flowers is being drafted as WR17, which is a bit of a head scratcher considering he finished as WR12 in PPG for receivers that played more than half the year (WR14 if not).”

“Flowers posted 86 catches, 1,211 yards, and six total touchdowns last year despite playing for a team that threw the fewest passes in the league over the last three years.”