Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson quietly had one of the more impressive fantasy performances from Week 1. Gibson had 21 touches in Week 1, combining for 130 total yards.
Some of the more impressive numbers from Gibson’s Week 1 performance were the eight targets in the passing game. On those eight targets, Gibson caught seven — good for 87.5%.
Gibson’s targets aren’t just checkdowns either; check out this throw from Carson Wentz to Gibson in the first half of last week’s opener to set up a touchdown.
RB sail is a fantastic concept. Dime from Wentz to Gibson here #Commanders pic.twitter.com/AaawqCbVFd
— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 12, 2022
With Brian Robinson Jr. still sidelined for at least the next three games, Gibson remains a strong fantasy play for Week 2. He played 64% of Washington’s offensive snaps in the win over the Jaguars and this week’s opponent, the Detroit Lions, allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to running backs last season.
Anyone who has watched Washington over the past two years isn’t surprised by Gibson’s success. If not for fumbling issues, there’d be no concern over his fantasy value. A fumble in the preseason opener opened the door for Robinson, a rookie third-round pick from Alabama.
Matthew Berry of NBC Sports and Peacock TV is one of fantasy football’s most respected analysts. He is also higher on Gibson than most.
“Antonio Gibson, a converted wide receiver from college, is someone who was really effective as a receiver; he had to learn the running back position,” Berry said. “He’s always had really good hands; he had eight targets, second-most on the team, and 72 receiving yards led the team. The Lions, last week, gave up the third-most rushing yards in Week 1. You can run against them; you can pass against them.”
Berry made an excellent point in his analysis. When J.D. McKissic is in the game, you tend to believe it is going to be a pass. When Gibson is on the field, you do not know because he is so effective as a runner and receiver. Add in wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who can line up anywhere like Gibson, then it opens up all sorts of possibilities for Washington offensive coordinator Scott Turner.
Start Antonio Gibson in Week 2.
