The Hidden Risk Lurking Behind Deebo Samuel Sr.’s 2025 Fantasy Football Value Revealed

Every fantasy football preseason, there’s that nagging question we all wrestle with: who’s actually worth banking on in your lineup? This year, one name keeps flashing on the radar — and not without stirring the pot — Deebo Samuel Sr., freshly donned in Washington Commanders colors. Now, I gotta admit, the buzz around Deebo is mixed with a good chunk of skepticism. In the latest Yahoo Fantasy Forecast, Matt Harmon and Andy Behrens took a deep dive into what Deebo’s arrival in D.C. really means for fantasy owners. Can you pencil him in as a dependable play, or is it smarter to tread lightly? Let’s unpack their insights, the data behind the hype, and figure out where Deebo fits into your 2025 draft strategy. LEARN MORE.

He’s trending down statistically and on film[Join or create a Yahoo Fantasy Football league for the 2025 NFL season]The only thing working in Deebo’s favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.

The only thing working in Deebo’s favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.

The only thing working in Deebo’s favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.

The only thing working in Deebo’s favor is that the Commanders did, in fact, give up a draft pick and are paying him to be involved. Same OC, young QB and a thin receiver group means he’ll get his chances. Also, his YAC skills and ability to break the game open are still tantalizing if he’s healthy and properly used.

Both Matt and Andy also wonder if this offense is even built to make Deebo a reliable fantasy starter. “I’m not saying that I’m betting against the Commanders … but if by Week 8 we’re kind of looking back and saying like, ‘ah, yeah, did we take another step here?’ I think that’s the question. … Taking the next step to, ‘okay, we went from conference championship to now we’re in the Super Bowl’ … I’m a little skeptical that this was enough on offense,” Matt said.

Is there any upside to drafting Deebo?

AdvertisementThe Commanders’ offense could be clunky or slow out of the gate

• Wiht that said, there are some real red flags.
• He’s no longer the focal point of a Shanahan offense designed to maximize his strengths
• Translation: he’s struggling to separate, even before last year’s health issues.
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AdvertisementBoth hosts had real reservations about what Deebo still brings to the table. “Deebo is such a complicated player because he built his reputation on the one great season, right? The 1,400-yard season. … That one big season represents about 30% of his career receiving production and the rest of the career is full of isolated good games and a whole bunch of really quiet games,” Andy said.