The Washington Redskins finished 7-9 in a disappointing 2017 campaign. The team failed to establish a run game for the third consecutive season, as opponents out-gained them by nearly 700 yards on the ground. The team’s leading rusher was rookie Samaje Perine with just 603 yards. Kirk Cousins led the squad in rushing touchdowns with four. Cousins threw for on average 52 fewer yards per game, due in part to the team’s exodus of receiving talent in the 2017 offseason. Jamison Crowder battled injuries for the first half of the season, Terrelle Pryor proved to be a free agent bust, and Jordan Reed only managed to play in eight games.
The Redskins are 18th in available cap space and have plenty to address on offense from a fantasy perspective. The franchise has already opted to replace the outbound Cousins with Alex Smith this offseason. Upgrades at running back and wide receiver are greatly needed and the team desperately needs Reed to stay healthy.
Three additions we want to see for fantasy
Carlos Hyde, RB: Hyde is coming off of the best season of his career, but hits free agency in a season when the NFL draft is packed with running back talent. Breaking the bank is not within the range of outcomes despite his talent level, so Washington should be able to afford him. Hyde finished in the top 10 in PFF’s elusive rating in 2017 and was able to create yardage on his own, whereas as Perine ranked just 25th in the same category. Hyde also had 11 runs of 15 or more yards; Perine managed only four. The former 49er would be the team’s most talented early-down option since Alfred Morris left following the 2014 season.
Josh Doctson to emerge: Doctson has failed to establish himself as a dependable option in Washington, but the time is now. Pryor almost certainly isn’t returning and the team needs multiple perimeter receivers. The former first-round pick has just 568 receiving yards in his two seasons, but did show some promise with six touchdowns in 2017. Dynasty owners would certainly rejoice at a late breakout. Perhaps Doctson will find chemistry with Smith that he never found with Cousins.
Jordan Reed to stay healthy: Reed has always had immense fantasy upside when healthy, but perhaps even more could be unlocked with Smith at the helm. Smith’s affinity for feeding Travis Kelce led to fantasy TE1 finishes in 2016 and 2017. Stats approaching his fantasy TE3 performance in 2015 (87/952/11) are certainly possible with Smith.
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