I could finish this post in two lines: sit and sit. And I’m sure you would understand, because there is nothing good to say about veteran Adrian Peterson or seven-year pro Chris Thompson entering Week 7. Anyways, let’s break things down a bit so you can at least convince the folks you care about that they also fade Washington’s running backs this week too.

Starting with Peterson, he had his best game in a long time last weekend. He rushed for 118 yards on a massive 23 carries and could even add 18 receiving yards to that on receptions. He only lacked a scoring play, poor old man. But what if I told you it was all against the mediocre Dolphins? Plot twist, uh? Other than that performance, Peterson has not run for more than 37 yards nor carried the ball more than 12 times in any of this season’s games. He’s not part of the passing game and has been virtually non-existent in Washington. Even with Chris Thompson sidelined, others will get looks in the passing game.

As for Chris Thompson? Washington officially ruled him out with a turf toe injury. The team is preparing Wendell Smallwood and practice squad back Craig Reynolds for this weekend’s game. Even if Thompson were to play, he’d have some limited opportunities against a stout 49ers defense, so Smallwood and Reynolds are even less worth starting.

Fantasy football analysis, Washington RBs Adrian Peterson, Chris Thompson

Both Peterson and Thompson—if he plays, which is more and more improbable each passing minute—are about to hit a reality wall head-first. Washington comes from playing the second-worst defense against RBs in points per game allowed to the position to face the indisputable no. 1 defense in the nation against RBs in San Francisco’s. I’m not making up numbers here: the 49ers have limited the four last backfields they’ve played against to 239 yards combined. They have yet to allow a rushing touchdown, have not surrendered a receiving touchdown to the position, and of those four teams, the one with the highest fantasy points tally couldn’t even get to 13 (Cleveland, who has a certain Nick Chubb as their leading rusher). Forget about starting Peterson. Forget about starting Thompson. Run away from San Francisco as soon and as fast as you can.

Start/Sit recommendation

Adrian Peterson: Sit
Chris Thompson: Sit