Commanders News: Chase Young, Sam Howell, Champ Bailey and game day

Commanders QB Sam Howell's fantasy value

There is an enormous sense of anticipation when it comes to seeing what quarterback Sam Howell can do from a starting role in Week 1. It looked from a long way out as if the Washington Commanders were going to go down this route, but head coach Ron Rivera was also eager not to hand the former fifth-round pick anything to avoid any sense of complacency.

This had the desired effect. Howell grew in confidence as the summer went on, comfortably beating out Jacoby Brissett for the No. 1 job and leaving a good impression during his brief time on the field during preseason.

It seems as if the NFL community is starting to look at Howell a little differently, too. Doug Orth from Sportskeeda even named the North Carolina product as his top fantasy football waiver wire addition heading into the first Sunday of the campaign.

"[Sam] Howell's only career NFL action came in Week 18 against the Dallas Cowboys last season, where he attempted only 19 passes for a team that was already eliminated from the playoffs. However, he was still able to flash some of the same dual-threat abilities that fantasy managers seek from their quarterbacks nowadays, rushing for 35 yards and a touchdown. While there's still a very good chance Howell will remain something of a game manager for at least the first half of this season, he will also have the luxury of throwing to Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel under new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy."

- Doug Orth, Sportskeeda

As Orth eloquently put it, Howell has an embarrassment of riches at the skill positions and a play-caller who'll make things easy. That's a recipe for success and something the gunslinger can take full advantage of during this favorable Week 1 matchup.