Terry McLaurin AKA “Scary Terry” has been somewhat undervalued/underrated in fantasy during his first four years in the NFL. The talented wide receiver from Ohio State was considered by many as special teams ace and at most a backup coming into the league. It didn’t take long for Washington to realize they had a gem on their hands. Washington had to somewhat “hide” McLaurin during training camp and in the pre-season so teams wouldn’t see how special he was.
Ahead of the 2022 season, Terry McLaurin was the #21 WR according to FantasyPros ECR. McLaurin totaled 190.5 FP (Half PPR) on the year and finished with 5 receiving touchdowns. Now let’s recap his 2022 season and determine what to do with Terry McLaurin in fantasy going forward.
2022
McLaurin and the Washington Commanders opened their 2022 season at home against the up-and-coming Jacksonville Jaguars. Along with a new name, it was also the debut of new quarterback Carson Wentz. McLaurin was having somewhat of a quiet game until the 4th quarter when he caught a long 49-yard touchdown. The Commanders went on to win the game and he ended up with 12.8 FP. McLaurin then went on a 5 game touchdown drought before the matchup with the Green Bay Packers. Carson Wentz had since gone down with a hand injury and it was Taylor Heinicke in at QB. McLaurin was able to break free against the pesky Jaire Alexander for a pretty 37-yard score.
In the next 6 games, McLaurin went over 100+ yards three times. It was clear that he had developed a better chemistry with Heinicke and his production was improving. To end the 2022 campaign, the Commanders had yet another QB starting. This time it was rookie Sam Howell stepping in under center. Howell showed right away that he belonged connecting with McLaurin on his first NFL touchdown. McLaurin also caught a 52-yard reception down the sidelines on a beautiful throw from the young QB. Howell looked the part against Dallas and will be QB1 in Washington moving forward.
2023
Coming into the 2023-2024 fantasy season there is a lot to like about Terry McLaurin’s value. Sam Howell, although raw has all the tools to succeed and has already shown on the field chemistry with McLaurin. Add to that the addition of new Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy and you can see why his stock is going up. If Howell can stay healthy and play all 17 games it would be the first time in his career McLaurin has had a steady QB.
Terry McLaurin’s Fantasy Outlook
There is a lot to like in terms of Terry McLaurin’s fantasy value going into the upcoming season. Currently, I have him ranked at #43 in my 2023 top 100 fantasy rankings and I could see him rising from there. The wild card will be Sam Howell and if he can excel in Bieniemy’s system. If so I am expecting double-digit touchdowns for the first time in McLaurin’s career.
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