Fantasy backfield shifts

PFF analyzes current usage in preseason Week 2 to guide fantasy decisions for 2025

Commanders backfield changes and Samuel debut shape fantasy outlook

The Commanders showed a changing backfield in Friday’s preseason game, with Chris Rodriguez starting on the first drive and Jacory Croskey Merritt rotating in on the second. Rodriguez ran six times for 62 yards, including a 40 yard burst, while Croskey Merritt added a 27 yard touchdown on his second drive. Ekeler is viewed as Washingtons receiving back, and Jeremy McNichols handled passing downs on this night. The team did not reveal if Ekeler appeared due to a starters workload or a simple game plan, but the snap distribution suggests Ekeler is not the early down primary.

On the receiving corps, Deebo Samuel debuted for Washington, while Terry McLaurin remains sidelined by contract issues. Lane rose in the depth chart, with Samuel in the slot on several plays and Luke McCaffrey closer to the outside; Osborn and Gallup participated in different roles. In this game, Samuel and McCaffrey started, while Lane joined in three receiver sets. This means Lane has surpassed Moore, Gallup and Martin on the depth chart. Samuel stayed in the slot on his plays, signaling he will be the primary slot option even though he has spent time on the outside in the past.

In Cincinnati, Noah Fant joined the Bengals but did not play in the first preseason game while learning the offense. His main competition for passing downs is Gesicki, who missed a second straight preseason game due to a hamstring issue. The Bengals rotated tight ends in a way that mirrors late season patterns, with Fant in early down 11 personnel and Sample handling short yardage. Third downs or other clear passing situations featured Tanner Hudson. If Gesicki stays healthy, expect him to reclaim a larger passing down role and keep Fant from becoming a weekly fantasy factor.

The game shows a backfield that remains in flux for Washington. The rookie Croskey Merritt has hype, but the team seems ready to use a rotation early in the season. If the backfield settles, the path to a lead rushing role for Croskey Merritt could appear by midseason. For fantasy managers, this means a late round draft pick with high upside, but caution for Week 1 may be wise. Ekeler looks like a steady option for the passing game, while Rodriguez may get the early down carries if the plan shifts. In the wider group, Samuel looks like a steady slot target for Washington even if McLaurin remains out for contract talks. Lane has moved up the depth chart and could push for a real role sooner than expected. For the tight ends in Cincinnati, the absence of Gesicki on this night limits their upside. Fant and Gesicki may share passing down duties, but neither is a slam dunk for fantasy rosters until a clear pattern emerges. The Bengals may rely more on Sample in early downs, with Gesicki and Hudson stepping in on obvious passing downs. Overall, the data points to a shifting order of battle in both teams and a need for flexible rosters in week one of the season.

Highlights

Roster decisions will keep shifting as the preseason ends