Deebo Samuel start or sit: Week 1 fantasy football advice

The Washington Commanders host the New York Giants on Sunday to kickoff the 2025 NFL season. The Commanders are 5.5-point favorites and the game has an over/under of 45.5 total points. Washington hopes to continue their winning ways this year after going 12-5 in QB Jayden Daniels’ first season. To help that along, the Commanders went out and signed WR Deebo Samuel to complement WR1 Terry McLaurin.

Samuel spent the first six years of his career in San Francisco, where he averaged 70 receptions, 1,244 total yards and 8 touchdowns per 17 games. Unfortunately, his playing style and usage as a running back (202 carries) had Samuel dealing with injuries off and on throughout his time in San Francisco.

Below, we’ll go over Deebo Samuel’s outlook in fantasy football for Week 1.

Samuel’s injury history is concerning for his season outlook, but he is healthy right now and should see plenty of work underneath while McLaurin runs deeper routes. We don’t know if he’ll see many rushing attempts, but I would expect the team at least gives the Giants defense that look a couple times to keep them honest when covering Samuel.

The Giants did allow the fourth best EPA per pass rate, as they were poor at defending and tackling screen plays last season. That should fit well into Samuel’s game. Add in the Giants awesome defensive line, and I expect Daniels will need to get rid of the ball quickly.

Start. I worry about Samuel’s season long ability, but while healthy in Week 1, he’s likely a must start in most leagues.

Start. His ability after the catch and possible rushing work around the end zone make for good touchdown chances.