Commanders vs Giants start/sit: Skattebo yes, McCarthy no

The Giants went to the deadline, looked at Jonathan Taylor and came home without him. That leaves Cam Skattebo as the lead back again, and he's taken it personally. "They know what I can do," he said on Wednesday. He sat out the Eagles game with a hamstring, practised in full all week and has no designation for Thursday. He's still the team's leading rusher with 418 yards. Start him. He's at 15.5, a hair ahead of Rachaad White on the other side, and the two of them are the only backs in this game you want.

McCarthy plays, but he doesn't play for you

J.J. McCarthy hurt his hip beating Philadelphia and says he's fine. The report agrees: full practice, no designation. Fine isn't the same as useful. He's at 10.0, and the open question is how much he'll run. In a one-quarterback league he's a bench player. In superflex he's a QB2 you start only if you have to.

Jayden Daniels is the opposite case. His left elbow had him on the report all week, but he was a full participant every day, and he's at 16.6. The worry for Washington is up front. Starting center Lucas Patrick is out with a concussion, so expect pressure. Daniels' legs are what keep his floor up when that happens.

The receivers

Malik Nabers had a knee on the report and practised in full. He's the best receiver on the field, 14.0 to Stefon Diggs at 12.5, and both are starts. If you have to pick one for the last slot, it's Nabers.

Treylon Burks missed last week with a foot injury and carries no designation now. He'll play, but he's behind Diggs and Antonio Williams in this offence and coming off a week out. Leave him on your bench.

Tight end

Isaiah Likely over Chig Okonkwo, 10.4 to 7.8. Washington has also lost Colson Yankoff for this one, which makes Okonkwo the only tight end they trust. That isn't enough to close the gap. Likely draws the softer matchup.

↳ the October meeting finished 27-27 in overtime