Antonio Gibson

Week 6 at Atlanta Falcons

Antonio Gibson saw a bit more playing time than usual in Week 5 as the Commanders faced a big deficit for the majority of the game. Gibson has only played more than 50% of the offensive snaps in two games this season, and in both games, Washington was getting blown out. Gibson was solid with his increased playing time, finishing with 64 yards on four receptions and six targets (0 carries). While it was an OK game, Gibson's usage overall this season hasn't been enough to make him a trustworthy player in fantasy. We'd avoid him in Week 6 against the Falcons (4th aFPA).

Week 4 at Philadelphia Eagles

Antonio Gibson saw a season-high in playing time last week as he played on 61% of the team's offensive snaps. However, he didn't contribute much as he ran twice for 17 yards and had three receptions for seven yards. Gibson is averaging less than five touches a game this season, which simply isn't enough to make him worth playing in fantasy. We'd avoid him in Week 4.

Fantasy Upside
With J.D. McKissic injured for most of 2022, Antonio Gibson ended up setting career highs in targets (58), receptions (46) and receiving yards (353). McKissic is now fully out of the picture as Washington didn’t bring him back in free agency, so there’s a chance Gibson can improve on those numbers once again considering he’s a converted wide receiver from college. Gibson is set to continue his role as a receiving threat considering Brian Robinson only caught nine passes last season, and incoming rookie Chris Rodriguez Jr. wasn’t much of a receiver in college. Gibson is also a talented runner, and should see more carries than your usual receiving back.

Fantasy Downside
While Gibson did set career highs in his receiving categories last season, he fell way short as a rushing threat. He had career lows in rushing attempts (149), rushing yards (546) and rushing touchdowns (3) despite playing in 15 games. Last season was the only season where Gibson finished below 1,000 scrimmage yards (899). The Commanders like Robinson as their primary rushing back, and it’s also worth noting that quarterback Sam Howell has some rushing ability himself. 4for4’s current projections have Gibson setting yet another career low in rushing yards for 2023.

2023 Bottom Line
After McKissic went down with an injury last season, the expectation was that Gibson would see more volume as a receiver. But Gibson only had more than three receptions in a game twice last season. Instead, Curtis Samuel sort of ended up taking some of those shorter routes as he was second on the team in receptions (Gibson was third). Gibson will probably lead all Washington backs in receptions, but we’d be surprised if he replicated McKissic’s 80-catch season from 2020. Gibson will probably produce enough to be a low-end RB3 option in PPR leagues.