Week 7 vs. Green Bay Packers
Curtis Samuel had his worst game of the season last week, setting season lows in receptions (2), receiving yards (6) and targets (5). There's not much else to takeaway from the performance aside from the fact it was simply a bad game. He'll look to rebound in Week 7, although he could struggle given the tough matchup against the Packers. There's also a change at quarterback with Taylor Heinicke. Samuel technically played with Heinicke last season, but Samuel was so limited with injuries (he never played more than 40% of the snaps in any game) that it's hard to draw any conclusions. Samuel should be able to bounce back in Week 7 as a WR3.
Week 6 at Chicago Bears
Curtis Samuel once again led the Commanders in targets last week (8), finishing 6-62. Samuel saw eight carries through the first three weeks of the season, but hasn't had a carry in his last two outings. Samuel has the 11th-most targets among wide receivers this season, which is pretty unexpected, especially on a team featuring Terry McLaurin. His pace has slowed down a bit since his hot start, but not by much if you ignore the touchdowns. Samuel should remain a productive option in Week 6 as he gets a decent matchup against the Bears. We like Samuel as a lower-end WR2 play this week.
Week 5 vs. Tennessee Titans
Curtis Samuel once again led the Commanders in targets last week as he saw seven. He wasn't terribly productive, though, finishing 4-38. He was also held without a carry for the first time in a game this season. The poor performance was somewhat expected considering the tough matchup. Things will get easier in Week 5 as Samuel faces a favorable matchup in the Titans. Tennessee has given up the 4th-most average fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Samuel should be viewed as a low-end WR2 or a strong WR3 play in Week 5. It's also worth noting Commanders WR Jahan Dotson is likely to be inactive this week with a hamstring injury, which could open the door for a few more targets for Samuel.
Week 4 at Dallas Cowboys
Curtis Samuel led Washington in targets last week with 10, finishing 7-48. He also ran the ball three times for 13 yards. Samuel's been productive for Washington this year as he leads the team in targets (30), receptions (22) and has 51 rush yards on the year. He was a complete afterthought heading into the season, but he had a dominant performance in Week 1 and hasn't really let up. He should continue to be productive in this offense, although he does draw a tough matchup against the Cowboys in Week 4. Still, Samuel is averaging 10 targets a game, so he offers a lot of appeal in half and full PPR formats. He should be viewed as a solid WR2 play in Week 4.
Week 3 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Curtis Samuel has led Washington in targets in each of the team's first two games of the season. The Commanders receiver has turned in performances of 8-55-1 and 7-78-1. It's an amazing start for an almost forgotten receiver. Samuel's production could take a bit of a hit this week as he draws a tough matchup vs. the Eagles. But Samuel's production so far still makes him someone you'll likely want in your lineup. He should be viewed as a lower-end WR2 play in Week 3.
Week 2 at Detroit Lions
Is Curtis Samuel back? He was a notable free agent signing last year in Washington, and we thought he'd be a bigger deal. Injuries forced him to miss games, but even when he returned, he wasn't utilized much in 2021. But that changed in Week 1 this season as Samuel led the team in targets (11) and finished 8-55-1 as a receiver. He was also utilized on the ground with four carries for 17 yards. Sure it was only one game, but Samuel earned himself some credibility and likely your waiver wire add for the week. He'll have a chance to continue the production in a favorable Week 2 matchup vs. the Lions. He should be viewed as a low-end WR3 this week.
Week 1 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Curtis Samuel showed some promise in Carolina, but had a number of issues in his first year in Washington. The Commanders also brought in Jahan Dotson as a 1st-round draft pick. While Samuel was an intriguing prospect at one point in his career, he's going to have to prove himself before he's worth playing in fantasy. Avoid him in Week 1.
Week 14 vs. Dallas Cowboys
We expected big things from Curtis Samuel this year, but he's really failed in his first year at Washington. His season has mostly been sidetracked with injuries, but now that he's healthy and playing he's not doing much. Last week he went backward on his only catch and went backward on two total carries, totaling -2 yards on three touches. He's also not playing much, playing 30% or below the past two weeks. Samuel can be sidelined until he either starts playing more, or at least finishes with positive yardage.
Week 13 at Las Vegas Raiders
Curtis Samuel returned from injury last week, his first appearance since Week 5. Although Samuel was eased back into things, playing on just 24% of the offensive snaps. He saw just one target, which he caught for nine yards, and had one carry, which he ran for four yards. We liked Samuel heading into the year, but we need to see him be more productive before we can recommend playing him in fantasy. Even though he's active, he's not playing enough at this point.
Week 5 vs. New Orleans Saints
Curtis Samuel's debut game for Washington was a bit of a dud as he finished 4-19 on four targets. While he did return, he still seems to be recovering from his groin injury as he played on just 37% of the offensive snaps. He's also been held out of practice so far this week. Samuel should be a good play when healthy, but it's hard to trust a receiver who could be on a snap count. He gets a good matchup against the Saints this week, but his health is concerning. He's not much more than a WR5 play this week.
