Week 3 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars
Running Back: Chris Thompson, Washington Redskins
Chris Thompson, RB, Washington Redskins
8 Rushes, 38 Yards
6 Receptions, 150 Yards, 7 Targets, 1 Touchdown
Performance Score: 100; NEP:
Three weeks into the NFL season, it seems like all Chris Thompson knows how to do is make big plays in the passing game. He was electric on Sunday night, catching 6 passes for 150 yards and a touchdown on just 7 targets, often going uncovered out of the backfield by an Oakland Raiders defense that looked confused all game.
While his work on the ground is still minimal (Samaje Perine had 19 carries to Thompson's 8), he continues to excel in the passing game, ranking 13th in the NFL in receiving yards with 231. To put that in context, the next closest running back is Christian McCaffrey at 173 yards. Thompson's 16-game pace for receiving yards is currently 1,232, which would have been seventh amongst all players in 2016.
With Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins still struggling to develop consistent chemistry with his new-look receiving group, it has been Thompson who has acted as not only the security blanket but also the go-to playmaker for this offense. He currently leads the team in receiving yards (231) over the newly acquired Terrelle Pryor, who has just 116 yards through three games.
Best of the Rest
| Running Backs | Rush | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Rec | Rec Yards | Tgts | Rec TDs | Performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kareem Hunt | 17 | 172 | 1 | 1 | 11 | 1 | 0 | 100 |
| Devonta Freeman | 21 | 106 | 1 | 3 | 32 | 3 | 0 | 93 |
| Corey Grant | 6 | 75 | 0 | 1 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 90 |
| Jordan Howard | 23 | 138 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 5 | 0 | 82 |
| Tevin Coleman | 6 | 46 | 0 | 3 | 43 | 5 | 0 | 81 |
