Brian Robinson Jr. - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders are dealing with some injury issues on offense. Noah Brown and Austin Ekeler are long-term absentees. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is in the NFL's concussion protocol and might not feature in Week 16. This makes things even more difficult versus a rejuvenated Philadelphia Eagles defensive unit.
If there was ever a time for Brian Robinson Jr. to produce the goods, it's now. The running back's been in good form again this season and looks on course for a first 1,000-yard rushing season with a strong finish. A big performance will take the pressure off rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and keep Philadelphia's offense off the field.
Robinson got some joy in the first meeting between the division rivals on Thursday Night Football in Week 11. The former third-round pick out of Alabama gained 63 rushing yards and one touchdown from 16 carries. Not exactly world-beating, but it helped keep the game relatively close until the Eagles blew them away in the fourth quarter.
The Commanders need all that and more from Robinson this weekend. This bears more significance when one considers Washington is missing so many key offensive playmakers at the worst possible time.
Dyami Brown - Commanders WR
All-Pro candidate Terry McLaurin gave teammate Dyami Brown a supreme vote of confidence before Week 15 against the New Orleans Saints. The wide receiver wasn't involved that much — gaining three receptions from four targets for 30 receiving yards — but this was a positive step nonetheless.
Brown gained some additional trust that shouldn't go unnoticed by offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders are in desperate need of reliability in the passing game without Austin Ekeler, Noah Brown, and potentially Zach Ertz. His ability to stretch the field and improved dependability could be of use against a gifted Philadelphia secondary.
The Commanders could be getting K.J. Osborn into the mix this weekend after he was claimed off waivers. Regardless of how much he contributes, Kingsbury needs to put more on Brown's plate given his encouraging recent signs.
If Brown can maximize opportunities when they arrive and put in a decent performance, it'll improve his chances of getting an unlikely extension from the Commanders this offseason.