Washington Redskins' quarterback Robert Griffin III is set to return this week against the Minnesota Vikings after being sidelined since Week 2 with a dislocated ankle, ESPN reported.
This is welcome news for Redskins fans, but it is also an important development in fantasy football. What does RGIII's return mean for Washington, and what are his fantasy prospects going forward?
Despite being rusty, I think RGIII could be a low-end QB1. Using his so-so stat line from last year as a benchmark could give us an idea of what to expect from Griffin. RGIII averaged 246 passing yards, 38 rushing yards and 1.2 passing touchdowns per game last season, which equaled out to an average of just under 17 fantasy points in standard leagues every week.
By comparison, guys like Tony Romo, Drew Brees and Matthew Stafford are all averaging in that 15-18 weekly points range. Add in the fact that RGIII will have DeSean Jackson and a healthy Jordan Reed, two weapons he did not have consistently last year, and it's very possible Griffin could put up respectable numbers, even while regaining confidence and comfort on the field. Although Minnesota has allowed the second-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing quarterbacks, RGIII is worth a roster spot in nearly all leagues.
Cory Bonini of USA Today weighed in on RGIII's fantasy prospects.
"His upcoming schedule, whenever he returns, is rather favorable," Bonini wrote. "Washington heads to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 9. The Redskins have a Week 10 bye, so Griffin may sit out through their open date and return to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers."
"As long as he is healthy enough to move freely, and one has to believe the coaching staff wouldn't risk it in a lost season, Griffin should be a fine fantasy play down the stretch. He has had the benefit of learning the new system with mental reps while he has been on the mend."
RGIII's return should benefit some of the other Redskins' playmakers as well. No disrespect to the backup QBs, especially after Washington's thrilling upset victory over the Cowboys on Monday night, but Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy have combined for a passer rating of 82 and a QBR of 64 this season. Pierre Garcon, who has been hemorrhaging targets in Griffin's absence, should see more balls thrown his way as he led the league in that category with 184 last year.
If RGIII can regain some of his explosiveness and use his legs to get chunk yardage, Alfred Morris should see a bump in value as well. Remember, with defenses fearing RGIII's running ability in his rookie year, Morris was second in the NFL in rushing with over 1,600 yards. His 1,275 yards last season in Griffin's "down year" was still good for fourth in the league.
While it's unrealistic to expect the rookie sensation RGIII to come waltzing through the door, solid performances that help your team stay steady is not out of the question. I'd scoop him up if he's still available in your league.
