Week 10 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars

Running Back: Matt Jones

Matt Jones, RB, Washington Redskins
11 Rushes, 56 Yards
3 Receptions, 131 Yards, 3 Targets, 1 Touchdown
NEP: +11.70

The most surprising player on this week's big NEP performers comes at running back, as Matt Jones led all running backs in Week 10. He finished the day rushing 11 times for 56 yards and catching all 3 of his targets for 131 yards and a score.

As receiving generally leads to higher NEP performances, it shouldn't be too surprising that this week's best running back was also the recipient of one of the best pass plays this week. Jones' play-action screen pass was a thing of beauty, as Cousins sold the run and forced the defense to come up, then dumped off to Jones in the flat. He followed his offensive linemen, tight ends, and wide receivers as they worked in unison blocking downfield for the big gain. This play added +6.90 expected points to Jones total, a huge boost to his final stat line.

Jones finished the day with the fourth-highest fantasy points on the day at 27.7 PPR points but did so on far fewer touches than those who ranked above him. The rookie from Florida has had a rough start to his career, as Washington's run game has been in shambles the past few weeks, but they were able to turn it around at home against a struggling New Orleans defense. The Redskins ran for a season-high 213 yards as a team but will have a tough time keeping that going against an undefeated Carolina Panthers squad coming up next on the schedule.

The rest of the running backs were led by 200-yard rusher Adrian Peterson and two-touchdown rookie Jeremy Langford. Andre Ellington only had 8 touches but was able to pick up 89 yards and a touchdown despite the limited role. Charcandrick West played a tough game with 24 rushes but also showed shades of Jamaal Charles as he was able to take a reception to the house by displaying his speed in the open field and outrunning T.J. Ward on an 80-yard scoring play. Fellow Redskin Chris Thompson rounded out the list with high productivity on limited touches in a reserve role.

Best of the Rest: