Week 16 - Griffin vs. Philly
Robert Griffin III had a pretty decent fantasy performance last week, throwing for 236 yards and a TD while adding 46 rushing yards. He had a controversial rushing TD called back after he lost control a bit.
RGIII is an interesting play this week. While it's tough to trust him in what is likely your league's finals, it's a very friendly matchup against an Eagles team that was just lit up through the air by Tony Romo and the Cowboys. Griffin comes in ranked 12th on our list this week, which is pretty respectable when you consider how his season has gone to date. But the potential is once against there for RGIII, especially if he can pile up some rushing yards. We've all seen things come crashing down though, which is why you'll need some guts to start him if you're playing for a title. Hopefully you have a better option.
Week 12 - Griffin vs. San Francisco
It wasn't an impressive day for Robert Griffin III as the Skins lost at home to Tampa Bay last week. Griffin threw for 207 yards and a TD but threw two interceptions. He added 41 yards rushing.
It was supposed to be a much better day for Griffin's fantasy owners but it never came to fruition. Now the team is a bit of a mess in the locker room. On top of that, it's a tough matchup this week on the road in San Francisco. The Niners rank fifth in allowing fantasy points to QBs and Griffin takes a major hit in our rankings - coming in at 23rd. He pretty much needs to stay on your bench this week. His matchups get more friendly starting next week and for the rest of the season, but he's going to have to earn back owners' trust first.
Week 11 - Griffin vs. Tampa Bay
Robert Griffin III returned in Week 9 against the Vikings and threw for 251 yards and a TD while adding 24 rushing yards. He did throw an INT as well.
It wasn't an easy matchup for the passing game on top of Griffin missing six weeks of action leading up to the contest. So, the potential is there for RGIII this week as the team hosts the Bucs, who rank 29th in allowing fantasy points to QBs. Coming off the bye week and with some extra preparation, Griffin should be able to put up some decent fantasy numbers in this contest and as a result ranks as a low-end QB1 this week. Outside of Week 12 at San Francisco, Griffin's schedule is pretty favorable for the foreseeable future.
Week 9 - Griffin vs. Minnesota
Media outlets are starting to report that Robert Griffin III has been cleared and will start Week 9. It's not really a surprise as news he was very close came out earlier in the week.
Griffin comes in 13th on our QB list but it's a tough matchup against the Vikings who are ranked third in allowing fantasy points to QBs. Griffin is certainly worth owning and appears to be a decent QB2 option in those types of leagues. But in 10-team leagues that start one QB, maybe it's best to wait it out and see how he looks before throwing him in your lineup - unless, of course, he ranks way ahead of your next best option. In terms of fantasy numbers, the Vikes are weaker against the run so it's likely the Skins try to ride Alfred Morris and Roy Helu a bit to take the pressure off RGIII in his first game back.
Week 2 vs. Jaguars
Robert Griffin III finished 29-of-37 for 267 yards and no TDs last week against the Texans. He rushed just three times for two yards.
The Texans gave Washington nothing deep so his high completion rate was thanks to short throws. Overall, though, his performance was not that great and his rushing totals were non-existent. Simply, RGIII continues to struggle. This week Washington get the Jags in a very friendly matchup as Jacksonville is ranked 24th in allowing fantasy points to QBs. The Jags started strong last week against Philly before giving up a ton of yards to Nick Foles in the end.
RGIII is ranked 11th among our QBs this week but it's obvious he's not a safe play even with a great home matchup. It may be best to wait and see with Griffin and go with another option this week.
Week 1 vs Texans
It wasn't the camp and preseason many figured Robert Griffin III would have heading into Week 1. Primed as a sure bounce-back candidate after struggling last year, things haven't really got better for Griffin.
RGIII ranks just 16th on our QB list as the team travels to Houston. The Texans ranked 15th in allowing fantasy points to QBs, but even in an OK enough matchup, it's hard to trust Griffin in your lineup at this point. The offense hasn't looked good in the preseason and Griffin's accuracy seems to have disappeared. He's taking big hits on top of his throwing struggles and now some are even calling for Kirk Cousins to take over the position.
Perhaps the regular season is starting just in time for RGIII, but even with all the weapons around him, it's tough to put him in your lineup heading into this contest. A wait-and-see approach might be the best way to go here.
FANTASY UPSIDE
RGIII is back healthy and should get off to a better start this year. That could be the most important story to his season. Under head coach Jay Gruden, he may get a chance to throw the ball more, and the team went out and signed DeSean Jackson to go with Pierre Garcon and an emerging star TE in Jordan Reed, so the weapons are there. Griffin is still known for accuracy and of course has the speed and rushing ability to get fantasy owners yards and TDs.
FANTASY DOWNSIDE
Many want to know just how much of RGIII’s struggles were injury related last year. He showed signs at times, but overall it was a gloomy season. Any QB with running ability, owners are going to have to worry about injuries.
BOTTOM LINE
Griffin has all the tools and now has all the weapons. By now you know if you wait on QB you’re going to have a lot of options from the 7th round on, and RGIII is one of them. His ADP of the 8th round is actually the same as Nick Foles, but Foles is ranked 4th on our list and Griffin is 11th so early on it looks like GMs are taking a shot RGIII is back this season. There are probably safer options, but if you can compliment him with someone you feel comfortable, it should put you in good shape at the position.
