Gilbert set to start

Washington QBs Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen have failed to test out of COVID reserve. So Garrett Gilbert will start tonight’s game against the Eagles, according to multiple reports. Gilbert has 1 NFL start and 44 total pass attempts behind him. It should be a good week to have the Philly D in your fantasy football lineup

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reports that the Commanders are expected to start QB Taylor Heinicke against Dallas in the season finale. But he adds that rookie QB Sam Howell "is also slated to play." Take this news as an admission from HC Ron Rivera that he was wrong to start Carson Wentz in the Week 17 loss to Cleveland. With Washington now eliminated from playoff contention, though, it would seem to make more sense to just play the rookie the whole way. The reported plan, of course, makes both QBs unusable in fantasy football lineups. And the whole situation adds risk to Washington pass-catchers. We're not changing our outlook for RB Brian Robinson Jr., though. Check out the adjusted Week 18 fantasy football rankings.

The Commanders removed QB Taylor Heinicke from the 2nd half of Saturday's loss to the 49ers, replacing him with Carson Wentz. Heinicke completed 13 of 18 throws for 166 yards (9.2 per attempt), 2 TDs and 1 INT. He also lost a fumble. Wentz completed 12 of 16 passes for 123 yards (7.7 per attempt) and 1 TD. HC Ron Rivera told reporters after the game that he's not sure who he'll start in Week 17 against the Browns.

Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke put forth a gutsy effort, completing 17 of 28 attempts for 249 yards and 1 TD in Sunday's loss to the Giants. Heinicke also added 33 yards on the ground. A few penalties cost Heinicke and the Commanders both real-life and fantasy points, but managers that perhaps streamed the signal-caller in superflex leagues can feel okay about the results. However, Week 16 will not be an ideal time to consider Heinicke as the Commanders are preparing for a showdown against a 49ers defense that ranks as the 3rd-toughest matchup for QBs this season. You'd have to be insanely desperate or manage an injury-riddled roster to go with Heinicke next week.

Commanders QB Taylor Heinicke threw for 275 yards and 2 TDs in Sunday's tie with the Giants. He found WR Terry McLaurin and WR Jahan Dotson for TDs. Heinicke threw no INTs in the game but fumbled twice, losing 1. He also took 5 sacks. Washington gets a Week 14 bye before a rematch with the Giants.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports that the Commanders will continue starting QB Taylor Heinicke. QB Carson Wentz is reportedly not yet ready to return from his finger injury, but the team plans to stick with Heinicke even after Wentz is ready. It makes sense. The team is 3-1 with Heinicke behind center this season, 2-4 with Wentz. The latter, however, does hold edges in TD rate, INT rate and passer rating. Heinicke leads Wentz in QBR and yards per attempt. He has also been good for WR Terry McLaurin's target counts, whereas Wentz's presence boosted Curtis Samuel.