Washington took two huge blows in its backfield this season in losing Rob Kelley and Chris Thompson to injuries, but that just opened the door for rookie running back Samaje Perine. Perine notched his second 100-yard rushing game in a row in Week 12. He carried the ball 24 times for 100 yards on the ground and caught three passes for 30 yards in the win over division rivals New York Giants. Perine rushed 23 times for 117 yards the week prior against the New Orleans Saints, and he scored his first and only rushing touchdown of the season against the Saints in Week 11.
Fantasy football Week 13: Start or sit Samaje Perine for TNF?
Perine has emerged as a premier running back the last two games for Washington. We look at the fantasy impact.
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Perine has a great matchup with the reeling Dallas Cowboys Thursday night. The Cowboys are missing several key players in their defense and are expected to make personnel changes in the unit this week. They have been average against the run this season, ranking 16th in rushing yards allowed and seventh in the most passing yards allowed to the position. The Cowboys have not given up 100 yards to a single RB since their Week 6 bye.
Fantasy impact: Washington’s run game looked to be dead, but Perine has brought new life to the backfield. The rookie will be going for his third 100-yard rushing game when Dallas comes to town Thursday night and he has a good chance to make it happen against a defense in turmoil. Even if he does not reach the 100-yard mark, Perine should do very well against a defense riddled with injuries. There is tons of upside for the fourth-round pick, and he should definitely be in your lineup this week.
