As we close in toward the new NFL season, the ever-changing league landscape has player fantasy values constantly on the move, with key events like free agency continuing to roll on and the 2023 NFL Draft still to come.
Whether you’re used to the dynasty platform or are still learning the dynasty rules, let’s dive into the latest fantasy football value of Washington Commanders WR Terry McLaurin.
Terry McLaurin’s Dynasty Outlook and Value
Terry McLaurin is one of the best receivers in the NFL, and all he needs is a competent QB under center to become an absolute monster. Even his 2022 season was a tale of two halves due to the QB play. With Carson Wentz under center, McLaurin had a 16.3% target share, a 26.4% air yard share, and 1.52 yards per route run as the WR33 (11.1 PPR/game). Then, in stepped Taylor Heinicke, who saved McLaurin’s season.
With Wentz on the sideline due to a finger injury, McLaurin had a 29.8% target share, a 44% air yard share, and 2.73 yards per route run. Throw in a 28% target per route run rate, and McLaurin averaged 5.4 receptions, 80.2 yards, and 0.3 touchdowns on 8.11 yards for 15.46 PPR points per game (WR15).
Finishing 19th overall, McLaurin posted his third-straight 1,000-yard season with 1,191 yards on 77 of 120 receiving and five touchdowns. He only has five drops over the last two seasons, for crying out loud.
Despite the Commanders’ reloving door at QB, including a whos who list of Taylor Heinicke, Dwayne Haskins, Alex Smith, Carson Wentz, Case Keenum, Kyle Allen, Colt McCoy, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Sam Howell, and Garrett Gilbert (in order of targets per QB), and a lackluster offense with no supporting cast, McLaurin has yet to finish outside the top-25 in a single season.
MORE: 2023 Dynasty Rookie WR Rankings
He remains of the highest-upside players, and we have yet to see the best from him.
Yet, despite playing with 10 QBs under three different head coaches, two OCs, and three team names, McLaurin is one of six WRs to have four straight 900-yard seasons since 2019 and is behind only A.J. Brown (4,369) in receiving yards from the 2019 class with 4,241. That’s ahead of D.K. Metcalf (4,192), Deebo Samuel (3,988), and Diontae Johnson (3,707).
Perhaps 2023 can be different, as Sam Howell is expected to be under center come the start of the season. How much that boosts McLaurin’s value remains to be seen, as Howell is a relative unknown. However, I’m bullish on the veteran wideout’s outlook.
I’ll be especially excited if new assistant head coach and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can bring a spark to the Commanders’ offense. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a package deal with Patrick Mahomes coming too, but beggars can’t be choosers.
Terry McLaurin Fantasy Ranking
There is a scenario where McLaurin, despite being a favorite player of many, remains underrated. He’s being viewed as a WR3 in some circles. For context, he is my WR26 in PPR rankings as he enters his age-27 season with no signs of slowing down. When you look at Superflex leagues, where quarterbacks see an increase in value due to positional scarcity, McLaurin is the No. 69 overall-ranked player.
There are few players I trust more in single coverage than McLaurin, and even when doubled, his vertical explosiveness has him playing well above the rim. If the ball is in his general vicinity, odds are, it’s McLaurin who is coming down with it. He is under contract through 2026, but there’s a contractual out after 2024.
That could be a good thing, as it might free him, depending on how Washington’s salary cap looks in two years. However, McLaurin is one of those players I’d be more than willing to add at what appears to be a discount based on perception, production, and my rankings. All Howell has to be is on par with Wentz or Heinicke, and we know what can happen. Anything better, and it’s smooth sailing for McLaurin.