Week 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Curtis Samuel got off a hot start last season, and actually ended up finishing with the second-most receiving yards (656) and receptions (64) on the team. However, a lot of that came at the start of the season when Jahan Dotson was injured. Samuel wasn't nearly as productive in the back-half of the season, averaging 25.1 receiving yards in the last eight games. Samuel could see an uptick in playing time in Week 1 if Terry McLaurin is unable to go. But if McLaurin plays, Samuel should be viewed more as a low-end WR3 option.
Week 17 vs. Cleveland Browns
Curtis Samuel had a solid outing last week, finishing 5-52-1 on five targets. Three of his five targets, including his touchdown, came when Carson Wentz was in the game. Samuel's production this season was a lot higher when Wentz was quarterback, which is notable since Wentz is back as the starter this week. Under Wentz, Samuel averaged 5.7 receptions for 47.8 yards. Under Taylor Heinicke (not including last week), Samuel averaged 2.9 receptions for 39.1 yards. Although Samuel was more active as a rushing threat under Heinicke, so it kind of evened out his production overall. Samuel draws a tough matchup against the Browns (4th aFPA) this week where he should be viewed as a mid-tier WR3 option.
Week 16 at San Francisco 49ers
Curtis Samuel had an OK game last week. He saw five targets, finishing with three catches for 44 yards. He also ran the ball five times, but only had one yard on the ground. Samuel got off to a strong start this season, but he hasn't been as productive lately. Since Taylor Heinicke took over at QB, Samuel has averaged 56.4 total scrimmage yards per game with two total touchdowns (in eight games). We should see similar production as Samuel gets an OK matchup vs. the 49ers (19th aFPA) this week. He should be viewed as a WR4 option for Week 16.
Week 15 vs. New York Giants
Curtis Samuel broke out of his slump with a solid game in Week 13, finishing 6-63 on seven targets. He also ran the ball three times for 23 yards for a total of 86 scrimmage yards. We'll see if Samuel can keep the momentum going as he faces the same opponent again in Week 15. Samuel gets a favorable matchup against the Giants (21st aFPA), although he still remains somewhat a risky option considering his previous production. Samuel should be viewed as a mid-tier WR3 option for Week 15.
Week 13 at New York Giants
After a strong start to the season, Curtis Samuel has fell off a cliff in recent weeks. Last week he saw no targets, although he did carry the ball four times for 13 yards. Over his past six games, Samuel has 14 receptions compared to 20 rush attempts. The rush attempts would be nice if he was gaining a lot yards, but he's only averaging 19 rush yards per game in that span. Add on a tough matchup against the Giants, and Samuel has lost a lot of appeal in Week 13. He should be viewed as a WR4.
Week 12 vs. Atlanta Falcons
Curtis Samuel didn't have the best game last week, catching just one pass for 10 yards on two targets. Thankfully for fantasy managers he ran the ball twice for 18 yards and a touchdown. The Commanders have utilized Samuel fairly often as a runner as he has 16 carries for 101 yards in his last five games. He actually has more rush attempts in that span than receptions (14). Samuel should be able to bounce back this week as he faces a Falcons defense giving up the second-most average fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season. Samuel should be viewed as a strong WR3 play in Week 12.
Week 11 at Houston Texans
Curtis Samuel didn't have a strong outing last week, finishing 2-28 on four targets. He also ran the ball four times for 12 yards. Overall, Samuel has been a nice surprise this season, but he has given owners a few dud games throughout the year. This week he draws a tough matchup against the Texans (10th aFPA) who have given up the fewest total receptions to receivers. But Samuel should be able to bounce back to his season averages of around 60 scrimmage yards. He should be viewed as a mid-tier WR2 play this week.
Week 10 at Philadelphia Eagles
Curtis Samuel finished 3-65-1 on four targets while getting one carry for 16 yards last week. Samuel has topped 50 scrimmage yards in all but two games this season with an average of 64.2 per game, all while averaging 5.0 receptions per game. Samuel has been a solid option throughout the season, although he'll likely be tested this week in a tough matchup vs. the Eagles (7th aFPA). Samuel had a decent game against Philly earlier in the year, finishing 7-48 on 10 targets, while getting three carries for 13 yards. Samuel should be viewed as a strong WR3 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs. Minnesota Vikings
After going three straight games without a carry, Washington has started to utilize Curtis Samuel more as a rushing threat. In the past two games, Samuel has seen five and four carries, respectively, for a total of 55 yards on the ground. He's also maintaining a strong role as a receiving threat, as he's hit 50 receiving yards in each of those games as well. Samuel hasn't scored since Week 2, which is worrying, but he continues to be a dynamic option for Washington, averaging 62.1 scrimmage yards per game. Samuel draws a favorable matchup this week against the Vikings who have given up the 7th-most average fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Samuel should be viewed as a mid-tier WR2 play for Week 9.
Week 8 at Indianapolis Colts
Curtis Samuel had a busy game last week. He matched Terry McLaurin with a team-high eight targets (finished 5-53) and ran the ball a season-high five times (for 26 yards). Samuel now has 13 rush attempts on the season, which is second in the league for wide receivers, only behind Deebo Samuel (24). On top of that, he leads Washington in targets (58) with 13 more than the next highest. Washington will likely continue to get Samuel involved in different ways as he draws a tough Week 8 matchup against the Colts. He should be viewed as a strong WR3 play for Week 8.
