The Washington Commanders apparently remembered they have a running back in their offensive scheme last week, as Brian Robinson Jr. had his most carries in a game since Week 2. But should that be enough for fantasy football managers to start him over the versatility of Antonio Gibson? Let’s check the fantasy outlook for each player this week.
Should You Start Brian Robinson Jr. or Antonio Gibson This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, our Consensus Rankings say that Robinson Jr. is the player to start. His projected 9.5 points include 64 rushing yards, one reception, and six receiving yards. That projected stat line outperforms the consensus projections for Gibson (6.3 points).
My ranking for these running backs aligns with the consensus. Robinson Jr.’s rushing numbers should offset Gibson’s versatility for this week’s matchup with the Seahawks.
Fantasy Outlook for Robinson This Week
As mentioned, Robinson’s 18 rush attempts last week vs. the Patriots were his most since Week 2 vs. the Broncos, when he logged the same amount. Those carries netted 63 rushing yards in Week 9, his most since his 70-yard output against the Bills in Week 3.
He also once again scored a touchdown, giving him at least one rushing or receiving score in all five of the Commanders’ road games this season. In fact, of his seven total touchdowns this season, six have come on the road.
Did I mention that Washington plays at Seattle on Sunday?
And while I noted Gibson’s ability to run and catch the football, it is Robinson that is one of four players with at least five rushing touchdowns and two receiving touchdowns this season. The others are Christian McCaffrey, Raheem Mostert, and De’Von
Achane.
MORE: 2023 RB Fantasy Football Rankings
But all of this only works if Robinson is getting his carries. From Week 3 through 8, Robinson averaged less than 10 rush attempts a game (9.7). Along with his fantasy value dropping, the Commanders went just 1-5 in those six games.
In the three games Robinson has had 18 or more carries, Washington is 3-0.
Fantasy Outlook for Gibson This Week
Although Gibson remains in a backup role, Washington offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy clearly likes the options the versatile back’s presence presents. That’s likely why he has been on the field for at least 30 offensive snaps in seven of the Commanders’ nine games this season.
And while he doesn’t get much in the way of carries anymore, his pass-catching ability cannot go unnoticed. He has almost as many receptions (25) as rush attempts (26).
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There just doesn’t appear to be enough touches to trust putting Gibson in your fantasy starting lineup right now. Even with his carries and catches nearly the same for the season, that still comes out to fewer than six touches per game (5.7) for Gibson.
The PFN Start/Sit Optimizer projects Gibson to finish with 17 rush yards, with two catches for 15 yards.
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Setting DFS lineups? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer, Start/Sit Optimizer, and DFS Lineup Optimizer to help you make the right decision!