Week 9 at Miami Dolphins
The enigma that is Marshawn Lynch returns from suspension this week, but this is a full-blown RBBC in Oakland. In a tough matchup against a top-10 Miami defense in our aFPA vs. RB rankings, DeAndre Washington belongs on your bench in weeks Marshawn Lynch is active.
Week 8 at Buffalo Bills
With Marshawn Lynch suspended this week, it will reportedly be a 50-50 split between Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington. The numbers elude to that, too, in games before this season where Latavius Murray was out for the Raiders. However, the Bills are above average, ranked 11th in our aFPA vs. RB rankings. Consider Washington a FLEX option in a heavy bye week, who will most likely need more passing game usage or a touchdown to return value.
Week 7 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Marshawn Lynch just isn't being used like the Seattle Beast Mode we all fell in love with before he retired. However, that doesn't mean the rest of this backfield is getting enough work to be fantasy relevant either. It's a full blown RBBC, with no useful options right now.
Week 6 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
Marshawn Lynch is not getting a lot of work, but neither is DeAndre Washington. He's nothing more than an attrition play if Lynch gets hurt.
Week 5 vs. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens rank just 26th in our aFPA vs. RB rankings. Baltimore has also allowed the 10th-most PPR points to fantasy RBs this season. However, DeAndre Washington is battling a hamstring this week. Even if he's active, he's not getting enough touches to warrant starting consideration.
Week 4 at Denver Broncos
Jalen Richard has a strained calf, which could open the door for Washington to play more snaps than the 26% he's played this season. Oakland could also be playing from behind at Denver, meaning more passing down snaps for Washington. He's an interesting stash, if available in your leagues, but still not a starting option in Week 4.
Week 3 at Washington
DeAndre Washington will continue to split duties with Jalen Richard behind Marshawn Lynch and isn't a starting lineup consideration.
Week 2 vs. New York Jets
Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington split back-up RB duties behind Marshawn Lynch in Week 1, with Richard getting 6 touches and Washington only 5. That doesn't leave nearly enough volume to consider starting either in Week 2, even against the lowly Jets.
Week 1 at Tennessee Titans
Washington had 6 carries for 57 yards last season against the Titans; however, with Marshawn Lynch expected to get the majority of early-down work, Washington is not expected to get any meaningful volume out of the gate. He should remain on your bench to start the season.
Fantasy Upside
DeAndre Washington's 87 rushing attempts were not enough to qualify, but his 5.4 yards per carry would have been top five in the NFL last season. His 2.6 yards after contact would also have been top five. Washington showed off his potential with a big Week 16 performance against the Colts in which he scored 24.7 PPR points.
Fantasy Downside
Washington is in a timeshare with Jalen Richard behind Marshawn Lynch. It will take an injury to Lynch for Washington to become relevant weekly in fantasy football this season. He only caught more than one pass in three games last season, in a similar situation, with Latavius Murray dominating early down work. His 0.82 PPR points per touch was also well behind Jalen Richard's 1.03.
2017 Fantasy Outlook
Washington is a late-round flier in fantasy drafts this season. At his current ADP in the 21st round, he's mostly going undrafted. It's worth monitoring his preseason to see if he emerges ahead of Richard as the top handcuff to Lynch.
