The Washington Redskins are coming off a solid 2016 season finishing 8-7-1. They finished in third place in the NFC East. Its a step back from there 9-7 first place season finish last season. The Redskins where a solid team and with one of the best offenses in the NFL. Below is the Washington Redskins 2016 fantasy football recap.
Washington Redskins 2016 fantasy football recap
Quarterback
The Washington Redskins seem to have found their franchise quarterback in Kirk Cousins; if they ever sign him to a long term deal is yet to be seen. Cousins is coming off another solid season with 4917 passing yards and 25 passing touchdowns. He also had 96 rushing yards with four touchdowns, however he did have 15 turnovers. Cousins finished the season as the fifth ranked quarterback in fantasy. He totalled 300 fantasy averaging close to 19 points per game. Cousins did lose two of his best receivers in the off season. He should still produce solid numbers next season and be a solid quarterback in fantasy. Cousins is worth a mid round pick in next years draft.
Running Back
The Redskins used a running back by committee last season. The lead back was Rob Kelley who took over as the lead back in week six. He finished the season with 786 total yards and seven touchdowns. Kelley finished as the 26th ranked running back with 120 fantasy points. While Kelley averaged 10 fantasy points in the games where he started he was a touchdown dependent running back two. Kelley is a solid flex option low end running back two next season and is worth a middle round pick in next seasons drafts.
While Kelley served as the firsts and second back the third down/passing back was Chris Thompson. He finished as the 37th ranked running back with 705 total yards with five touchdowns. He finished the season with 98.50 fantasy points last season averaging only six fantasy points per game. Thompson was a boom or bust flex option last season. He was a better running back in PPR leagues last season. Thompson is worth a late round flier in drafts next season.
Wide Receivers
Cousins spread the ball around to his receivers very evenly last season. The Redskins receivers all finished within two fantasy points of each other. The leading receiver for the Redskins was DeSean Jackson with 1,005 receiving yards and four touchdowns. He finished as the 30th ranked receiver with 124.50 fantasy points. He averaged eight fantasy points per game. Jackson was hot from week 11 through 16 as he averaged 12 points per game. Jackson has left the Redskins and signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should be a solid wide receiver two next season and is worth a mid round next season.
The next leading receiver was Jamison Crowder With 847 yards and seven touchdowns. Crowder was solid throughout most of the season. He totalled 124.50 fantasy points averaging around eight fantasy points per game. Crowder had nine games of nine points or more last season. With Jackson and Pierre Garcon gone Crowder should have a bigger role in the offense. He is worth a mid round pick and could end up being a steal in next seasons drafts. The next leading receiver for the redskins was veteran Pierre Garcon with 1,041 receiving yards and three touchdowns. He totalled 122.10 fantasy points and finished as the 32nd ranked wide receiver in fantasy. He averaged seven points per game but he had eight games of five fantasy points or fewer. Garcon left the Redskins in free agency and signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He is worth a late round pick in next seasons drafts.
Tight End
The Redskins have one of the most talented and athletic tight ends in the NFL and fantasy in Jordan Reed. Reed finished last season with 686 yards and six touchdowns. He finished as the ninth ranked tight end with 102 fantasy points. Reed’s biggest problem is staying healthy, he missed four games last season and dealt with injuries throughout the season. With is skills he is worth the risk and worth a fifth or sixth round pick in next seasons drafts.
Kicker
Dustin Hopkins handled the kicking duties for the Redskins last season and was solid NFL and fantasy kicker. He finished the season with 34 field goals and 36 extra points. Hopkins finished the season as the third ranked kicker with 144 fantasy points. He averaged nine fantasy points per game last season. Hopkins is a solid option for fantasy owners and is worth a late round pick in drafts next season.
Defense
The Redskins defense finished as the 20th ranked defense with a total of 93 fantasy points. They averaged six points per game last season. They where a decent match up play last season. Fantasy owners should look for another defense next season but keep an eye on the Redskins defense for solid match up plays.
The Washington Redskins have been solid the last two season finishing with a .500 or better record. If the Redskins can continue to get solid production out of there offense and more consistent play out of the defense, they could make a run at the NFC East and playoffs. One of the main things the Redskins need to do is sign Kirk Cousins to a long term deal. The Redskins should be a solid offense and produce solid points for fantasy owners.
