Who Should I Start? Luke McCaffrey or Arian Smith

Sunday, March 29, 10:38 AM

When the Washington Commanders spent a third-round pick on former quarterback turned wide receiver Luke McCaffrey in 2024, many fantasy managers feared he may have been over-drafted, but chased the draft capital and spent a late rookie pick on him anyway. Through his first two seasons in the NFL, he's accumulated only 371 yards on 29 receptions, though his usage and production were both on the upswing prior to a season-ending collarbone injury suffered in Week 9. McCaffrey scored the first three touchdowns of his career while averaging 18.5 yards per reception. Between Deebo Samuel and Zach Ertz, Washington looks set to enter 2026 without its two highest target-earners from 2025. While a healthy Terry McLaurin and the recently acquired Rachaad White and Chig Okonkwo will certainly help to fill that vacuum, McCaffrey could settle into a meaningful downfield role. In parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders promoted from within, naming 30-year-old assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough as their new offensive coordinator, meaning McCaffrey will have familiarity with the system and a potential inside track to claim some of those vacated looks.