Week 6 vs. Detroit Lions
Jacksonville played from behind yet again last week against the Texans, but Chris Thompson totaled only five touches and 42 yards. Gardner Minshew has passed at least 40 times the past four games with Thompson recording 35 receiving yards in each of the past two outings. However, he just isn’t seeing enough action to even warrant a fantasy roster spot.
Week 5 at Houston Texans
Even though Gardner Minshew threw the ball 40 times at Cincinnati last week, Chris Thompson did not receive a target. James Robinson has a strong hold on the backfield so there is no reason for Thompson to be wasting a fantasy roster spot.
Week 4 at Cincinnati Bengals
In the loss versus Miami last Thursday, Chris Thompson ran for three yards and caught five passes for 35 yards. While Thompson is considered the pass catching RB, it was fellow back James Robinson who led the Jaguars with six receptions for 83 yards. Robinson should continue to receive the bulk of the touches, leaving Thompson with minimal fantasy value.
Week 3 vs. Miami Dolphins
Even though Gardner Minshew put the ball in the air 45 times at Tennessee last Sunday, Chris Thompson finished with only three catches for 20 yards. It wasn’t a complete disappointment for owners, however, as the last grab resulted in a 14-yard TD. Minshew has a lot of weapons in the passing attack and Thompson just isn’t see enough touches to warrant a fantasy start.
Week 2 at Tennessee Titans
While James Robinson finished with 16 rushing attempts in the opener, Chris Thompson was used sparingly, catching two passes for six yards. Robinson didn’t do anything to hurt his status as the Jaguars current No. 1 RB, leaving little fantasy value for Thompson.
Week 1 – Chris Thompson vs. Indianapolis Colts
With the release of Leonard Fournette a couple weeks ago, Chris Thompson moved up the ranks a bit for the Jaguars. While still considered the team’s receiving RB, Thompson should receive some carries as well, splitting time in the backfield with inexperienced players James Robinson and Devine Ozigbo. After playing all seven of his professional seasons in Washington, Thompson will be making his debut with Jacksonville on Sunday. Seeing playing time mostly as a third downs, over the past five seasons he’s averaged 49 rush attempts and 41 receptions. While the Jags may be playing from behind often in ’20, which could lead to several pass attempts for Gardner Minshew, it’s advised you look elsewhere for your starting RB in Week 1.
Fantasy Upside
When the Jaguars pursued Chris Thompson in free agency, he did not need much convincing about their offense being a good fit for his skillset. He already knew it was from the way Jaguars' new OC Jay Gruden utilized him when they were paired together with the Redskins. "He is one of the biggest reasons I was able to have the success that I had in Washington and to be able to stick around there," Thompson said. "Me coming here to Jacksonville, being familiar with his offense, it is good for me." A fifth-round pick by the Redskins in 2013 out of Florida State, Thompson emerged as a dual-threat under Gruden. The speedy back totaled 1,194 yards rushing and caught 212 passes for 1,772 yards and 10 touchdowns in seven seasons with Washington.
Fantasy Downside
Thompson has missed 17 games in the past three seasons, but if he can stay on the field, he could serve as a reasonable bye-week option.
2020 Bottom Line
In Jacksonville, Thompson expects to complement Leonard Fournette, featured as the team's third-down option and as a receiving threat out of the backfield.
Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys
Chris Thompson finished with 52 scrimmage yards last week as he continues his mostly pass-catching role in Washington's offense. He could have a decent game this week as he faces a Cowboys defense that's allowed the fourth-most receptions to running backs this season. He finished 5-48 as a receiver against Dallas earlier in the year. This week, he should be viewed as a decent flex option in PPR formats, and mostly avoidable in standard leagues.
Week 16 vs. New York Giants
Chris Thompson had no rushing attempts last week, and had a minimal impact as a receiver, catching just two passes for 26 yards. He's had value at times this season, but there should be more reliable options available in Week 16.
Week 15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Thompson had a big role last week, playing 40% of the offensive snaps. He did nothing as a rusher, but he caught seven of eight targets for 43 yards. Expect a similar role for him moving forward as he should continue to be a reliable receiver out of the backfield. Still, he's only valuable in full PPR formats and even then he's very risky. He's not a strong option in Week 15.
