Sam Howell: How Should Dynasty Owners Value The New Washington Starting QB?
All signs point to Sam Howell being the Washington Commanders’ starting quarterback when the 2023 NFL Season begins. What does that mean for fantasy football purposes and how should dynasty owners proceed? That’s what we’re here to talk about because there might actually be some sneaky upside here.
Howell, 22, was selected in the 5th round of 2022 NFL Draft by Washington. The NFL sample size is small. In the one start against Dallas in the final week of the season, Howell went 11-19 (57.9%) with 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Apparently, that was enough to already name Howell the starter for 2023. It remains to be seen whether or not Washington will add a veteran option. OR maybe that veteran option is already Taylor Heinicke.
I say all that to say this. If Howell is actually going to be the starter next year, he’s a must own in fantasy for real grown men that play two quarterback leagues. On top of that, he’s an intriguing add with upside. There’s some sneaky rushing ability too that should raise the floor.
The rushing is something I went over a lot in his draft profile. In that one start against Dallas, add in 35 yards and a score on the ground. I’m not sure he’s ever going to be a 1,000 yard rusher like he did in college. However, I do believe there is a pathway to Howell carving out real fantasy points on the ground. If that happens, fantasy relevance is around the corner.
Are you spending an arm and a leg to acquire Howell if he’s already taken? Probably not. Especially in Dynasty when Washington could give up on him within a year.
The 2023-24 season is still far away. Coaching – personnel changes will be made along the way. It should just be made known that Howell’s rushing ability is underrated. If Howell can be semi productive as a starter, adding in that rushing potential could give Howell top 20 upside a year from now.
