7 Fantasy Football Splits That Matter for Week 12

Washington's Backfield Without Chris Thompson

Chris Thompson scored the first touchdown for the Washington Redskins last Sunday, but contrary to belief, wasn't being used as the team's primary back. Rookie Samaje Perine out-touched Thompson 14-5 even before the latter exited late into the third quarter.

When it was all said and done, Perine was in on 48 of 69 (69.5%) offensive snaps against the New Orleans Saints, while Thompson played only 18-of-69 (26%). And with Thompson now out for the year, another 24 touches for Perine is more probable than not.

As it pertains to Thursday, the New York Giants currently boast the league's 20th-ranked rushing defense according to our schedule-adjusted proprietary metric Adjusted Defensive Rushing Net Expected Points (NEP). It's additionally worth noting that Damon Harrison, Pro Football Focus' top-ranked interior defender against the run this season, either failed to practice or has been limited throughout the week. That's great news for Perine, who handled the only carries (2) Washington attempted inside the five-yard line last week.

Harrison's potential absence would only boost Perine's outlook for Thursday given the limited number of backs now available on Washington's depth chart.