Week 17 at Dallas Cowboys
Adrian Peterson didn't look good last week, rushing 15 times for just 36 yards. He did score a touchdown, and added 19 yards as a receiver, though. His struggles could continue this week in an unfavorable matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the eighth-fewest rushing yards to running backs this season. Peterson isn't much more than a low-end RB2 or a flex play in Week 17.
Week 16 vs. New York Giants
Now that Jay Gruden and Derrius Guice are gone, Adrian Peterson is back to being relevant in fantasy. He ran 16 times for 66 yards and a touchdown last week while also catching three passes for 25 yards. He gets a decent matchup against the Giants this week where he should have similar production to what he did in Week 15. We like AP as a solid RB2 play in Week 16.
Week 15 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Adrian Peterson took over last week as Derrius Guice suffered an injury once again. Peterson carried the ball 20 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. He's been a solid player in games not coached by Jon Gruden where Guice was inactive. He gets a tough matchup this week against the Eagles, however. Expect him to get plenty of touches, which makes him a viable RB3 or flex play against Philly.
Week 14 at Green Bay Packers
Adrian Peterson and Derrius Guice were both able to have success last week despite limited touches. Peterson finished 13-99-1 on the ground while finishing with no receptions. Peterson, Guice and Chris Thompson each played at least 30% of the snaps, which isn't great for fantasy purposes. Sure it worked last week against a bad run defense, but don't expect this every week. Peterson should be viewed as a weak option in Week 14.
Week 13 at Carolina Panthers
Adrian Peterson had a hot streak going for a while, but the return of Derrius Guice has obviously ended that. Peterson is splitting time with both Guice and Wendell Smallwood. At this point, it's a gamble playing each back as you just hope one of them is on the field when a touchdown is scored. And even that's not guaranteed as we saw last week against Detroit. Peterson gets a great matchup against the Panthers this week, but this committee makes him not much more than a low-end flex play.
Week 12 vs. Detroit Lions
Adrian Peterson led all Washington rushers in carries last week, but it wasn't a great game. He ran nine times for 25 yards and caught two passes for five yards. Washington used a mix of all three backs as Wendell Smallwood actually led the team in snaps. Peterson hasn't practiced this week as he deals with a toe injury, so his health is worth monitoring ahead of this week's matchup against the Lions. If he does play, he gets a great matchup as Detroit is allowing the most fantasy points to opposing backs. Still, with him splitting time with Guice, his ceiling is limited and he should be viewed as a flex play or RB3.
Week 11 vs. New York Jets
Adrian Peterson has looked good ever since Washington fired Jay Gruden. His last four games have been strong as he's finished with 118, 81, 76 and 108 rushing yards. However, Peterson has just one touchdown all season and has a limited role as a receiver (8 receptions). Plus, he's got Derrius Guice returning this week to steal carries away. With Guice's return, it's hard to know what Peterson's role will be. In Week 1, AP was a healthy scratch while Guice started. We anticipate Peterson being active this time around, but he should be viewed as a flex play against the Jets.
Week 9 at Buffalo Bills
The new coaching staff has done wonders for Adrian Peterson as he finished with 103 scrimmage yards last week. His value is limited just because Washington's offense is terrible, but at least Peterson has been usable over the past three games. He should have another solid game this week in a decent matchup against the Bills. He can be viewed as a lower-end RB2 or a strong flex play in Week 9.
Week 8 at Minnesota Vikings
Adrian Peterson has been much better under Washington's new coaching staff as he's actually being used. He ran the ball 20 times for 81 yards last week in a rain-soaked game after carrying the ball 23 times for 118 yards the week before. Peterson still has no touchdowns on the season, however, and those are likely to be few and far between. He'll likely struggle in Week 8 against a tough Vikings defense that has only allowed one rushing touchdown to the running back position all season. Expect Peterson to get plenty of touches, but he's not much more than a low-end RB3 or flex play this week.
Week 7 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Adrian Peterson was able to finally do something this season. He had his best game of the season last week, rushing 23 times for 118 yards. He even caught two passes for 18 yards. He missed practice Wednesday with a quad injury, but returned in full on Thursday. He should play, but he could be somewhat limited. And even if he does play, he gets a much tougher matchup this week against the 49ers who are allowing the fewest fantasy points to running backs. Peterson should get touches, but he's not much more than a low-end flex play.
