Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell is on a roll. Howell is coming off the first back-to-back 300-yard games of his NFL career against two solid defensive teams in the Eagles and Patriots.
After his last two games, Howell is second only to Tua Tagovailoa in passing yards. With 722 yards and five touchdowns in those two games, Howell has been a terrific quarterback for your fantasy football teams, too.
Can Howell make it three in a row on Sunday?
Things do not get any easier for the second-year passer, as the Commanders are in Seattle to face the Seahawks.
While the Seahawks aren’t statistically one of the NFL’s best defenses, they’re more than capable with outstanding players at all three levels of their defense, led by future Hall of Fame linebacker Bobby Wagner.
So, while Seattle ranks No. 20 in pass defense, playing at Lumen Field is always difficult for a young quarterback. As for the Seahawks pass defense, some of the raw numbers are a bit deceiving, which leads Michael Florio of NFL.com to advise against playing Howell in fantasy football against Seattle.
Howell came through for those who started him last week. He has become a QB you can start most weeks. But this is not most weeks. The Seahawks have been very tough to throw against. Since Week 5 they have allowed the fourth-fewest passing yards. They have allowed just 6.1 yards per attempt in that span, behind only the Jets and Ravens. Not only are they tough through the air, but they also generate pressure and sacks at an above league-average rate and that’s been a major problem for Howell this season. While he is a startable option in most matchups, it’s very likely you have another option on your roster as well. You can go with the other option this week.
This is solid advice. While Howell has been playing well, the Washington offense is due for a letdown — that’s the trend until we’re shown something different.
Seattle edge rusher Boye Mafe has a sack in six consecutive games and will give Washington’s offensive line fits.
While Florio thinks sitting Howell is a good strategy this week, he thinks Seahawks QB Geno Smith could have his “get-right” game against Washington’s struggling defense.