The Washington Commanders have done fantasy managers a huge favor and separated their two talented running backs into a rushing back and a receiving back. Which role is best used for your fantasy football team’s needs? Let’s dig in.
Brian Robinson Jr. Fantasy Outlook This Week
The Alabama product has fully recovered from his gunshot injury that delayed his ascension to the top running back spot in Washington during his rookie season. Brian Robinson Jr. is averaging only nine carries for 38 yards per game over the last three weeks, but that is about as much as the Commanders want to run in the Sam Howell-Eric Bieniemy offense.
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Robinson is the 25th ranked running back according to PFN’s Consensus Rankings, and I see him right about there as a low-end but dependable RB2. If Washington gets a rushing touchdown, I bet Robinson is the man carrying it across the goal line. I would play Robinson in situations where your team is the favorite or playing with a lead from Thursday night.
Antonio Gibson Fantasy Outlook this Week
We are all still waiting for the actual breakout of Antionio Gibson. Still, the current role as the pass catching back for Washington is a useful one for fantasy managers in the right situation. The former lead back in Washington is only averaging 2.3 rushes for 12 yards on the ground but three catches for 31 yards through the air.
We have Gibson buried at the RB46 in PPR leagues, and I don’t see it this way. If I were the underdog or playing from behind in my fantasy matchup, I would plug Gibson in as an RB3/Flex with tremendous upside.
Should You Start Brian Robinson Jr. or Antonio Gibson This Week?
In the Pro Football Network Start/Sit Optimizer, PFN’s Consensus Rankings say that Robinson is the player to start. His projected 9.2 points include a projection of 62 rushing yards, 0.2 receptions, and 5.9 yards. That doesn’t seem like a big stat line; it outperforms the consensus projection for Gibson (6.2 points).
I agree that Robinson has the better chance at a rushing touchdown, but which Commander running back is the better start is dependent on your team’s situation this week, in my opinion. If you are the favorite or playing from a Thursday night lead and need a dependable few points, then I would start Robinson, but if you are the underdog or playing from a Thursday night deficit, I would roll with Gibson and his potential of taking a screen to the house.
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!