The Thursday Night Football clash between the Washington Commanders and Green Bay Packers sets up as one of the most intriguing fantasy matchups of Week 2. With star wideouts like Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel looking to make noise, rookies trying to carve out roles, and veterans fighting to prove they still belong in lineups, this game is filled with start/sit decisions that could swing fantasy matchups. Below, I break down who you should feel confident starting, who belongs on the bench, and which players are stuck in that tricky gray area heading into Thursday night.
Lock Them into Your Lineup
- Jayden Daniels QB (WAS)
- Josh Jacobs RB (GB)
Strong Starts
Terry McLaurin WR (WAS)
Terry McLaurin started slow in Week 1, catching two of four targets for just 27 yards against the Giants. Part of that can be attributed to his limited training camp while negotiating his contract, but he was still on the field for a full workload of routes and snaps. McLaurin narrowly missed a big play on a deep shot where he had his defender beat, showing the opportunities are there. The Packers’ secondary has been exploitable in the past, and McLaurin has a history of success against them with 252 yards and three touchdowns in just three games. With Jayden Daniels continuing to develop, expect McLaurin to bounce back as a strong WR2 with upside in a projected high-scoring matchup.
Deebo Samuel WR (WAS
Deebo Samuel made a statement in his Commanders debut, catching seven of 10 targets for 77 yards and adding a 19-yard rushing touchdown. His 22.6 fantasy points highlighted his versatility, as Washington’s play-caller Kliff Kingsbury leaned heavily on him with screens, crossers, and dig routes. Samuel lined up in the slot 75% of the time in Week 1 and thrived against zone coverage, which Green Bay played at one of the highest rates in the league. With his connection to Jayden Daniels already strong, Samuel projects as a high-end WR3 with WR2 upside heading into Thursday night.
Players to Sit
Jacory Croskey-Merritt RB (WAS)
Jacory Croskey-Merritt made waves in his debut with 10 carries for 82 yards and a touchdown, flashing elite efficiency on limited touches. However, he played only 33% of snaps and faces a tougher matchup against a Packers defense that bottled up both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in Week 1. While Croskey-Merritt’s red zone usage is encouraging, his volume remains too limited to trust in fantasy lineups. He’s more of a stash than a start at this point.
Jayden Reed WR (GB)
Jayden Reed scored in Week 1 and showed flashes with three catches for 45 yards, but he only logged 18 offensive snaps as Green Bay eased him back from a foot injury. On a short week, his workload is unlikely to expand significantly, leaving him as a risky WR4/flex option. Reed has the talent to make splash plays, but the snap share and health concerns make him a player to avoid against Washington’s defense.
Zach Ertz TE (WAS)
Zach Ertz found the end zone in Week 1, salvaging what otherwise would’ve been a quiet performance with just three catches on five targets. At nearly 35 years old, his athleticism and consistency aren’t what they used to be, and Deebo Samuel’s presence siphons off short-area looks. The Packers were one of the stingiest defenses against tight ends last season, giving up just four touchdowns all of last year. Ertz is a touchdown-dependent dart throw who carries more risk than reward this week.
Matthew Golden WR (GB)
Rookie wideout Matthew Golden played plenty of snaps in his debut but produced just two catches for 16 yards. While he should develop into a bigger piece of the offense as the season progresses, his Week 2 receiving prop sits at just 33.5 yards, reflecting tempered expectations. Washington’s secondary held up well in Week 1, and Golden’s role in the offense remains uncertain. He’s best left on the bench until his target share grows.
On the Fence
Austin Ekeler RB (WAS)
Austin Ekeler quietly posted a solid receiving line in Week 1, catching three passes for 31 yards while maintaining strong route participation. His role as a pass-catching back looks secure despite Deebo Samuel’s presence, and he could benefit against a Packers defense that allowed 14 receptions to running backs in Week 1. Washington may lean on Ekeler in a negative game script, giving him sneaky flex appeal. However, his rushing volume remains capped with Croskey-Merritt involved, so temper expectations.
Romeo Doubs WR (GB)
Romeo Doubs led Packers wideouts in route participation in Week 1 and turned four targets into 68 yards. With Jayden Reed still limited, Doubs should see consistent usage, especially in the slot against a Washington defense that saw a significant amount of targets go that way last week. He’s a viable flex play in deeper leagues but not without risk if the Packers’ passing game remains conservative.
Tucker Kraft TE (GB)
Tucker Kraft played 100% of snaps and scored a touchdown in Week 1, but he only saw four targets and finished with two catches for 16 yards. He’s clearly Green Bay’s top tight end and has red zone appeal, but his weekly floor is very low given the crowded target distribution. Kraft remains a touchdown-or-bust option, making him a borderline starter in deeper leagues.
Jordan Love QB (GB)
Jordan Love’s fantasy outlook remains limited by Green Bay’s run-heavy approach with Josh Jacobs. His passing prop is set at just 220.5 yards, reflecting the expectation of another modest performance. Love’s upside hinges on touchdown variance rather than volume, as he hasn’t shown consistent QB1 production since early last season. He’s a QB2 option in superflex formats but should remain on the bench in single-QB leagues.
