Week 14 at Green Bay Packers
Chris Thompson played a lot last week, finishing with 23 offensive snaps (Adrian Peterson had 23 and Derrius Guice had 19), but didn't contribute a whole bunch. While Peterson and Guice ran wild for 228 yards and three touchdowns, Thompson had just four touches (one reception). Thompson will have PPR value if the Redskins get down by a lot and need to throw, but it's nearly impossible to predict game plans ahead of time. For now, it'd be smart to avoid Thompson in fantasy.
Week 6 at Miami Dolphins
Chris Thompson didn't do a whole lot last week, but that's because no running back does a whole lot against the Patriots. He should be able to bounce back in Week 6 against the Dolphins, who are allowing the most fantasy points to opposing running backs. However, Miami has allowed the third-fewest receptions to running backs, and Thompson is primarily used as a receiver rather than an actual runner. But we wouldn't worry too much about that. Expect Thompson to have a slightly better game than he's had for most of the season. He's a solid flex play in PPR formats.
Week 5 vs. New England Patriots
Chris Thompson has been Washington's most valuable running back in fantasy. He's not doing much on the ground, but he led all Washington receivers in receptions (4) and receiving yards (56) in Week 4. He actually leads the team in receptions (20) on the season as well, and is just six yards shy from leading the team in receiving yards on the year. His value mostly comes in PPR formats as he has no touchdowns on the year. He'll remain a flex play in PPR this week against the Patriots who have allowed the 10th-most receiving yards to running backs in 2019.
Week 4 at New York Giants
Chris Thompson has been Washington's most productive back in fantasy despite having just 13 carries through three games. Thompson has emerged as a strong receiving threat out of the backfield as he's tied for the team lead in receptions (16) and second on the team in targets (23) and receiving yards (195). He hasn't scored a touchdown yet, but he hasn't needed to. He's scored double-digit points in PPR formats every week this season. And with a strong matchup against the Giants, Thompson should continue to play well. We like him as a low-end RB2 or strong flex play in Week 4.
Week 3 vs. Chicago Bears
As expected, Chris Thompson is doing pretty much everything through the passing game. On the season, he's run the ball five times for only 13 yards. But he's been effective as a receiver, catching 12 passes for 116 yards. He led the team in targets in Week 1 (10) and was second on the team in targets in Week 2 (8). He's clearly a part of the passing attack, but he's not quite producing enough to make him great. He's not much more than a lower-end RB3 in PPR formats.
Week 2 vs. Dallas Cowboys
It's hard to know whether Chris Thompson was involved more in the offense last week because that's Washington's gameplan, or if the team just didn't have any other backs they trusted. Either way, Thompson did what Thompson does and caught seven of his 10 targets for 68 yards. With Adrian Peterson expected to be active this week, we can probably expect the same role for Thompson as a passing option out of the backfield, but perhaps with fewer targets. He should be viewed as an RB3 option.
Week 1 at Philadelphia Eagles
Chris Thompson has averaged 3.3 receptions and 27.8 receiving yards per game over the last four seasons. He's had stretches of really great play, but injuries have hindered some of his seasons. Thompson may not see a lot of action with Derrius Guice and Adrian Peterson in front of him on the depth chart. Thompson offers low-end RB3 value in PPR formats, and little value in standard in a decent matchup against the Eagles.
Fantasy Upside
Chris Thompson has been a PPR favorite over the past few years. He had a strong season in 2018, finishing with 804 scrimmage yards and six touchdowns despite playing just 10 games. He’s averaged 3.3 receptions per game over the last four seasons, which would come out to 52 receptions over the course of the year.
Fantasy Downside
Thompson has had injury issues, missing 12 games over the past two seasons and limiting him in other games. He’s also a bit buried on the depth chart heading into 2019 as Derrius Guice returns, and so does Adrian Peterson. Washington even brought in Bryce Love with its fourth-round draft pick to complicate things a little more.
2019 Bottom Line
This backfield is a little too crowded to fully trust Thompson in fantasy. He’ll most likely lead all Washington backs in receptions, but his rushing attempts will be slim. He could see extra work as a receiver as the Redskins don’t have a strong receiving corps. Thompson has a lot more value in PPR formats, but even then he’s not much more than a potential late-round flier as a low-end RB3.
Week 17 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Here are the point totals for the Washington offense over the past four games: 13, 16, 16 and 16. With a home match-up, Vegas is being "generous" this week with an implied team total of 17.75 points. With a fourth-string quarterback at the helm, this is not an offense to rely on for fantasy production in Week 17. This is a team that's just trying to stay competitive via its defense and special teams.
Week 16 at Tennessee Titans (Saturday)
Washington has scored less than 17 points in three consecutive games. This week, the implied team total of this team is absurdly low yet again - 13.5 points. It is the lowest implied total on the slate by a point and a half. With this currently being the worst offense in the NFL on its fourth quarterback of the season, we simply have no confidence in starting any piece of this offense for fantasy in Week 16.
