Is Chris Thompson the #1 Running Back to Own In Washington?

BALLER MOVE: Add in 14+ Team PPR Leagues

OWNED IN: 1% of Fleaflicker Leagues

ANALYSIS: The Washington Redskins backfield has gotten very crowded in recent weeks with both Matt Jones and Chris Thompson eating into Alfred Morris’ workload. Morris is the clear number one and he helped solidify that position with 38 rushing yards on Washington’s final drive to set up a game-winning touchdown. But Thompson has emerged as the team’s third-down, pass-catching back and has made himself valuable in PPR leagues.

After seeing almost no action in the first two weeks of the season, Thompson has 18 touches in the last two games, including 10 receptions and a touchdown. He’s made the most of his chances in that time span by averaging just over nine-yards per touch. Most of his rushing yards in week four came on a big 42-yard play on 3rd and 19 that took the Redskins out of the shadow of their own end zone and resulted in a field goal. Although Jones has shown plenty of promise in his rookie season, the big back has lost two fumbles, and that’s something head coach Jay Gruden will not stand for.

With Kirk Cousins and the offense struggling to find a rhythm, there are plenty of third-down passing opportunities available. If Thompson gets the bulk of them, he’ll become a strong flex option in deeper leagues and he’ll have the ability to earn himself more playing time as the season progresses.