Curtis Samuel News

Samuel's second year in Washington went much better than the first, as he played more than half the offensive snaps in all 17 games after taking only 84 snaps total the year before while plagued by lower-body injuries. His healthy 2022 started with averages of 9.0 targets and 66.4 total yards over the first five weeks, before he shifted to a more ground-based role after Carson Wentz was benched and averaged 4.3 targets and 3.5 carries over an eight-game stretch Week 15. Samuel was less involved at the very end, however, managing three touches for a net of zero yards over the last two weeks, and he could be released or traded this offseason now that Washington's WR room appears in good hands with Terry McLaurin and 2022 first-round pick Jahan Dotson. The team could look to move on from the 26-year-old Samuel, whose non-guaranteed $10.2 million base salary in 2023 would make him one of the most expensive No. 3 receivers in the league.

Samuel's best stretch of the season came with Carson Wentz playing quarterback in September, but things went different in Wentz's return to the starting role. The Commanders might even turn back to Taylor Heinicke for Week 18 against Dallas, though it'll be hard to trust Samuel in any scenario after he averaged only 4.3 targets per game in Heinicke's nine starts. Samuel did at least get 3.2 carries for 15.6 yards in those games, whereas Sunday's loss marked his first outing without a carry since the last time Wentz started (Week 6).

Samuel was stymied on the ground for the second week in a row, but he offset that with his first receiving touchdown since Week 9. The Commanders' slot man has been a sneaky fantasy asset in 2022 with his unique mix of receiving and rushing numbers -- 843 combined yards and five touchdowns -- a skillset that vaguely resembles a player on the 49ers' roster who shares the same last name. Samuel will look to continue his hot play against the Browns on New Year's Day.

Samuel's five rushing attempts tied his previous season high, but the one rushing yard produced was his worst total with an attempt. The Giants were able to snuff out the veteran wideout's designed runs, perhaps studying the team's tendencies from their recent matchup two weeks ago. Samuel was effective as an actual receiver, producing 107 yards over his last two games after totaling just 28 receiving yards over his previous three. Samuel and the Commanders draw a tough matchup against the 49ers on Saturday, so his usual flex value likely takes a hit in Week 16.

Samuel checked in second in receptions and receiving yards on the afternoon while logging the third-most targets. The versatile wideout's afternoon was his busiest in terms of total touches since Week 7, while his receiving yardage total was his third highest of the campaign. Samuel gets another crack at the Giants defense in Week 15 following Washington's Week 14 bye.

Samuel had season lows for targets and snap share the week before and went even lower against Atlanta, though he did take multiple carries for a fifth time in the past six games. He's seen four of fewer targets in five straight now, with his new role perhaps more conducive to team success but doing no favors for his fantasy value. While useful in real life as a dual threat, Samuel can't be relied on for much in fantasy at this point as the Commanders prepare for a Week 13 game against the Giants and then a late by in Week 14.