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Deadspin | Jake Cronenworth homers to lead Padres past Pirates  Apr 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images   Nick Castellanos drove in two runs and Jake Cronenworth hit his first homer of the season to lead the San Diego Padres to a 8-2 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.  The Padres bounced back from Tuesday’s loss and secured their fourth win in their past five games.  It was more tough luck for Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who tossed six scoreless innings and allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four. Through his first three starts, Keller has a 1.00 ERA and has allowed only two runs in 18 innings but has just one win to show for it.  Justin Lawrence (0-1) took over for Keller in the seventh and things unraveled quickly after Xander Bogaerts reached on a throwing error by Nick Gonzales.  Miguel Andujar, who had two hits, lined a double into the left field corner. Castellanos followed with a double that landed just out of the reach of Jake Mangum in left field and put San Diego ahead 2-0. Two batters later, Cronenworth smacked a 93-mph fastball from Lawrence over the wall in right center to extend the Padres’ lead to 4-0.  After the Pirates cut San Diego’s lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the inning, the Padres added four more runs in the ninth, capitalizing on a pair of Pittsburgh errors. Luis Campusano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each drove in a run in that frame. Tatis Jr. later scored on a double steal.   San Diego starter Michael King (1-1) pitched six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. King struck out four and threw 95 pitches. Mason Miller worked a scoreless ninth, but had a streak of 11 consecutive strikeouts snapped when Mangum grounded out to end the game.   Nick Yorke led the Pirates at the plate with three of their six hits and started Pittsburgh’s lone scoring rally in the seventh with a leadoff single. After a Gonzales double, Yorke came around to score on a sacrifice fly from rookie Konnor Griffin off reliever Kyle Hart.   Griffin signed a nine-year contract extension reportedly worth 0 million with the Pirates on Wednesday.  Joey Bart drove in Gonzales on an RBI single, and Pittsburgh threatened for more after Hart walked Mangum and Oneil Cruz hit into a fielder’s choice that left runners at the corners with two outs. But Brandon Lowe flew out to left to end the inning.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Cronenworth #homers #lead #Padres #Pirates

Deadspin | Jake Cronenworth homers to lead Padres past Pirates
Deadspin | Jake Cronenworth homers to lead Padres past Pirates  Apr 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA;  San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images   Nick Castellanos drove in two runs and Jake Cronenworth hit his first homer of the season to lead the San Diego Padres to a 8-2 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.  The Padres bounced back from Tuesday’s loss and secured their fourth win in their past five games.  It was more tough luck for Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who tossed six scoreless innings and allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four. Through his first three starts, Keller has a 1.00 ERA and has allowed only two runs in 18 innings but has just one win to show for it.  Justin Lawrence (0-1) took over for Keller in the seventh and things unraveled quickly after Xander Bogaerts reached on a throwing error by Nick Gonzales.  Miguel Andujar, who had two hits, lined a double into the left field corner. Castellanos followed with a double that landed just out of the reach of Jake Mangum in left field and put San Diego ahead 2-0. Two batters later, Cronenworth smacked a 93-mph fastball from Lawrence over the wall in right center to extend the Padres’ lead to 4-0.  After the Pirates cut San Diego’s lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the inning, the Padres added four more runs in the ninth, capitalizing on a pair of Pittsburgh errors. Luis Campusano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each drove in a run in that frame. Tatis Jr. later scored on a double steal.   San Diego starter Michael King (1-1) pitched six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. King struck out four and threw 95 pitches. Mason Miller worked a scoreless ninth, but had a streak of 11 consecutive strikeouts snapped when Mangum grounded out to end the game.   Nick Yorke led the Pirates at the plate with three of their six hits and started Pittsburgh’s lone scoring rally in the seventh with a leadoff single. After a Gonzales double, Yorke came around to score on a sacrifice fly from rookie Konnor Griffin off reliever Kyle Hart.   Griffin signed a nine-year contract extension reportedly worth 0 million with the Pirates on Wednesday.  Joey Bart drove in Gonzales on an RBI single, and Pittsburgh threatened for more after Hart walked Mangum and Oneil Cruz hit into a fielder’s choice that left runners at the corners with two outs. But Brandon Lowe flew out to left to end the inning.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Jake #Cronenworth #homers #lead #Padres #PiratesApr 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Nick Castellanos drove in two runs and Jake Cronenworth hit his first homer of the season to lead the San Diego Padres to a 8-2 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.

The Padres bounced back from Tuesday’s loss and secured their fourth win in their past five games.

It was more tough luck for Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who tossed six scoreless innings and allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four. Through his first three starts, Keller has a 1.00 ERA and has allowed only two runs in 18 innings but has just one win to show for it.

Justin Lawrence (0-1) took over for Keller in the seventh and things unraveled quickly after Xander Bogaerts reached on a throwing error by Nick Gonzales.

Miguel Andujar, who had two hits, lined a double into the left field corner. Castellanos followed with a double that landed just out of the reach of Jake Mangum in left field and put San Diego ahead 2-0. Two batters later, Cronenworth smacked a 93-mph fastball from Lawrence over the wall in right center to extend the Padres’ lead to 4-0.


After the Pirates cut San Diego’s lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the inning, the Padres added four more runs in the ninth, capitalizing on a pair of Pittsburgh errors. Luis Campusano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each drove in a run in that frame. Tatis Jr. later scored on a double steal.

San Diego starter Michael King (1-1) pitched six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. King struck out four and threw 95 pitches. Mason Miller worked a scoreless ninth, but had a streak of 11 consecutive strikeouts snapped when Mangum grounded out to end the game.

Nick Yorke led the Pirates at the plate with three of their six hits and started Pittsburgh’s lone scoring rally in the seventh with a leadoff single. After a Gonzales double, Yorke came around to score on a sacrifice fly from rookie Konnor Griffin off reliever Kyle Hart.

Griffin signed a nine-year contract extension reportedly worth $140 million with the Pirates on Wednesday.

Joey Bart drove in Gonzales on an RBI single, and Pittsburgh threatened for more after Hart walked Mangum and Oneil Cruz hit into a fielder’s choice that left runners at the corners with two outs. But Brandon Lowe flew out to left to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Jake #Cronenworth #homers #lead #Padres #Pirates

Apr 8, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King (34) pitches to the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Nick Castellanos drove in two runs and Jake Cronenworth hit his first homer of the season to lead the San Diego Padres to a 8-2 victory over the host Pittsburgh Pirates on Wednesday afternoon.

The Padres bounced back from Tuesday’s loss and secured their fourth win in their past five games.

It was more tough luck for Pirates starter Mitch Keller, who tossed six scoreless innings and allowed three hits and one walk while striking out four. Through his first three starts, Keller has a 1.00 ERA and has allowed only two runs in 18 innings but has just one win to show for it.

Justin Lawrence (0-1) took over for Keller in the seventh and things unraveled quickly after Xander Bogaerts reached on a throwing error by Nick Gonzales.

Miguel Andujar, who had two hits, lined a double into the left field corner. Castellanos followed with a double that landed just out of the reach of Jake Mangum in left field and put San Diego ahead 2-0. Two batters later, Cronenworth smacked a 93-mph fastball from Lawrence over the wall in right center to extend the Padres’ lead to 4-0.

After the Pirates cut San Diego’s lead to 4-2 in the bottom of the inning, the Padres added four more runs in the ninth, capitalizing on a pair of Pittsburgh errors. Luis Campusano and Fernando Tatis Jr. each drove in a run in that frame. Tatis Jr. later scored on a double steal.

San Diego starter Michael King (1-1) pitched six innings and allowed two runs on four hits and three walks. King struck out four and threw 95 pitches. Mason Miller worked a scoreless ninth, but had a streak of 11 consecutive strikeouts snapped when Mangum grounded out to end the game.

Nick Yorke led the Pirates at the plate with three of their six hits and started Pittsburgh’s lone scoring rally in the seventh with a leadoff single. After a Gonzales double, Yorke came around to score on a sacrifice fly from rookie Konnor Griffin off reliever Kyle Hart.

Griffin signed a nine-year contract extension reportedly worth $140 million with the Pirates on Wednesday.

Joey Bart drove in Gonzales on an RBI single, and Pittsburgh threatened for more after Hart walked Mangum and Oneil Cruz hit into a fielder’s choice that left runners at the corners with two outs. But Brandon Lowe flew out to left to end the inning.

–Field Level Media

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#Deadspin #Jake #Cronenworth #homers #lead #Padres #Pirates

Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #DerbyMay 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.

The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.

Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.

Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”


The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”

While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.

Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”

The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby">Deadspin | Preakness pushes date back to 22 days after Kentucky Derby  May 20, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; General view of the winners circle at Pimlico Race Course. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images   In an effort to attract more horses who compete in the Kentucky Derby, the Preakness Stakes is pushing back its date in 2027.  The event at Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore will be held on May 23, a Sunday, 22 days after the first leg of the Triple Crown is contested at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Ky.  Over the past five years, 82 out of 95 horses that ran in the Kentucky Derby sat out the Preakness.  Bill Knauf, president and general manager of the Maryland Jockey Club, said in a statement, “Moving the Preakness to the fourth weekend in May is a historic announcement. We believe the Preakness and the entire Triple Crown series are positioned for growth and great success. This extra week between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness opens the Preakness to potential participants who use modern training methods.”  The Preakness also announced a broadcasting extension with NBC and Peacock through 2032. The date change includes moving the Black Eyed Susan Stakes, a top race for 3-year-old fillies, to the fourth Saturday in May.   Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said, “This agreement now means millions more people will be able to tune in and watch this iconic race weekend. It also means that when they view this race … it means that more people will watch and witness the greatest show in the Mid-Atlantic and continue to see Maryland on the world stage, exactly where Maryland belongs.”  While the Preakness’ new date eases the tight window between the first two legs of the sport’s Triple Crown, it tightens the window between the last two. The Belmont Stakes in Elmont, N.Y., is scheduled for June 5, 2027, just 13 days after the Preakness.  Knauf said, “Our focus is to preserve the tradition of horses running back in the Preakness and to enhance participation in the Triple Crown races. We acknowledge the great history of the traditional Triple Crown spacing between races, but recognize that change must always be examined. This is common in all professional sports. Now is the time for the Preakness.”  The Preakness revealed its new plan in the wake of the formation of the Thoroughbred Championship Series, which will feature the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes but not the Baltimore race. The new six-race venture will feature three races at Churchill Downs, two at Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., as well as the Belmont.  –Field Level Media    #Deadspin #Preakness #pushes #date #days #Kentucky #Derby

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026  Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to  million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.  #Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means">Stefon Diggs fantasy football outlook: What Commanders signing means for 2026

Stefon Diggs finally has a home for the 2026 NFL season.

After putting up solid numbers for the New England Patriots last year — more on that in a moment — Diggs has signed with the Washington Commanders for the 2026 campaign. According to multiple sources, the veteran WR inked a one-year deal with the Commanders worth up to $12 million. It is something of a homecoming for Diggs, who played his high school football at Good Counsel in Olney and played his college football at Maryland.

With many readers entering fantasy draft season, the question is simple: What are the fantasy implications of Diggs signing with the Commanders?

After playing in just eight games during the 2024 season, as Diggs suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 while playing for the Houston Texans, he signed a three-year deal with the New England Patriots in May of 2025. Diggs appeared in all 17 regular-season games for New England, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns in Foxborough. Diggs led the Patriots in targets with 102 — he was the only New England receiver with more than 90 targets — and also led the team in both receptions and receiving yardage.

How he was used in New England could be a window into his usage in Washington. According to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Kayshon Boutte saw the most downfield targets on the Patriots a year ago (21) followed by Mack Hollins with 16. (Pro Football Focus defines these targets as coming 20 yards or more downfield).

Where Diggs led the way was in the short and intermediate areas of the field, often on crossing routes. Again, turning to charting data from Pro Football Focus, Diggs led the Patriots with 77 targets in the short area of the field, defined as throws between the line of scrimmage and nine yards downfield. Hollins was second on the Patriots, with only 30 such targets.

Turning now to the Commanders, last year Deebo Samuel led the team in those targets with 26. But with Samuel now in San Francisco, Diggs will be tasked with working that area of the field, allowing Terry McLaurin to continue stretching defenses in the vertical passing game. That is where McLaurin is at his best, and if you look at his 2024 numbers (when playing with a healthy Jayden Daniels) McLaurin saw a staggering 32 deep targets that season, the most on the Commanders by far.

For context, Noah Brown and Dyami Brown tied for second with nine each.

Another factor to consider is this: Washington’s new offensive coordinator. David Blough steps into the role, replacing Kliff Kingsbury. The expectation is that Blough will lean into the under-center, play-action passing game, a schematic tweak that will create opportunities for Diggs on those crossing routes underneath.

McLaurin will be Washington’s WR1, with Diggs slotting nicely into that WR2 role. He’ll see volume in this system — meaning he offers a nice boost in PPR formats — and while McLaurin could siphon the bulk of touchdowns (remember Diggs had only four a season ago) and Daniels could vulture some as well with his legs, there will be production to be gained by drafting Diggs in the later rounds as a WR3 with WR2 upside.

#Stefon #Diggs #fantasy #football #outlook #Commanders #signing #means

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