DeAndre Washington may not be the flashiest fantasy name. Yet, in landing with the Kansas City Chiefs, the former Raiders RB suddenly gains insane fantasy football upside. Legitimately, RB1 potential.
Sure, Washington isn’t likely to just walk in and unseat Damien Williams, who’s fresh off flashing his upside in the playoffs by trailing only Raheem Mostert with 4 TDs. Moreover, Williams is a size-speed beast capable of game-changing plays and handling his own as a pass-catcher.
Still, Washington has plenty working in his favor, as his strengths, even though unflashy, mirror what the Andy Reid wants out of his backs: strong vision for the inside-zone. Reliable hands and steady route-running (8.1 YPR bests Williams). Especially dangerous off screens. Lateral agility to make defenders fit once in space. Strong contact balance with his sturdy, low-center frame akin to a poor man’s Maurice Jones-Drew.
Plus, he’s a former teammate of Patrick Mahomes, who’s thrilled to see his former Red Raider companion aboard:
Glad to be back with my dawg! Welcome to #ChiefsKingdom @dwa5hington https://t.co/0hgX9QiUNf
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) April 8, 2020
In fact, in their last season together, Washington snared 41 receptions for 385 yards and two touchdowns to go with 1,492 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground — a flatout dominant display of necessary versatility.
He’s not only flashed at the college level either. Just like as recent as last year, where he performed admirably in three spot-starts filling in for the injured Josh Jacobs:
DeAndre Washington notched 3 starts in 2019. His fantasy totals & finishes:
21.6 (RB9)
18.6 (RB11)
21.2 (RB9)He's the top 2020 Sleeper Free Agent RB. Would love to see him land w/ #Dolphins, as he'd fit into Chan Gailey's spread attack seamlessly
— Wolf of Roto Street (@RotoStreetWolf) March 7, 2020
Moreover, he shouldered 20, 25, and 25 touches across those three games, never falling below 96 total yards. Washington is capable of the three-down, workhorse duties Reid typically asks of his RBs.
Williams has never held up in a featured role, and it feels likely Washington will make some 2020 starts, if not unseat him entirely. As a former divisional rival, they certainly have squared off with him and are aware of his abilities.
If and when Washington does take the reigns, he’ll be entering our Number 1 ranked “Value Hole” of 2020.
Even without Patrick Mahomes for a handful of the season, the Chiefs trailed only the Ravens in scoring (29.9 PPG). This offense is a TD-bonanza that relies on a do-it-all horse, with Reid funneling pass game looks to his RBs.
Sure, this line leaves a lot to be desired as run-blockers, with three sub-60 graded starters according to PFF. Still, the offense as a whole is so explosive under Mahomes’ direction that even a less than thrilling talent, such as Washington or Williams, can yield Top-Five numbers. Recall, Williams only trailed Todd Gurley in fantasy points just two seasons ago once he became the full-time guy.
The draft still looms, and Reid could flip this backfield on its head with a Day 1 or 2 investment. For now, though, Washington carries very true RB1 upside if and when he notches 2020 starts. Should he outplay Williams and steal the job early, he’d be a genuine league-winner.
