Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons
After Dalvin Cook's injury, Jerick McKinnon began by looking like he'd be a strong RB2 in PPR for the rest of the season. But he's been ineffective as of late, especially as a rusher. He still carries value in PPR formats, despite catching just 1 ball last week.
The Vikings may lean on McKinnon more as a receiver this week since Atlanta's run defense has been tough on backs. Latavius Murray isn't used much in the passing game, so it could be an opportunity to get McKinnon involved. He's a poor FLEX play in standard leagues and a low-end RB2 in PPR formats.
Week 12 at Detroit Lions
Jerick McKinnon actually out-snapped Latavius Murray (45-33) last week, but Murray is the one who finished with most of the production (2 touchdowns). While Murray had more success, McKinnon played just fine. He finished with 19 touches and 60 yards, with a big boost in PPR formats due to his 5 receptions. McKinnon actually has more receptions than Stefon Diggs at this point in the season.
Expect a similar role for McKinnon this week in a favorable matchup against the Lions. Detroit is allowing over 110 rushing yards per game, while giving up 12 scores on the ground. McKinnon continues to be a strong RB2 in PPR leagues, and a solid flex play in standard.
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Last week, Latavius Murray was the star of the Vikings' backfield while Jerick McKinnon took a backseat. McKinnon finished with just 47 total yards and no scores. It was his worst output since Dalvin Cook's injury. The frustrating part is it happened during a game where Minnesota's offense was on fire.
The good news is he has a good chance to bounce back this week in a favorable matchup against the Rams. The Rams are giving up 4.5 yards per carry, which is sixth-highest in the league.
With the Rams' strong pass defense, we expect the Vikings to lean on their two backs, giving McKinnon plenty of opportunities. He should be a strong RB2 this week.
Week 10 at Washington
Jerick McKinnon continued to look like the better Vikings back last game by rushing for 50 yards and a touchdown on 14 carries while also catching 6-of-10 targets for 72 yards. Latavius Murray looked good in Week 7, but outside of that, McKinnon has clearly been the better back for Minnesota.
He gets a somewhat difficult matchup this week against Washington, but it's not like they've been a shutdown defense. McKinnon should continue to get looks, especially as a receiver out of the backfield, as he's averaged 5 receptions per game since Dalvin Cook's injury.
McKinnon will be a high-end RB2 in PPR formats and a solid flex play in standard leagues.
Week 8 vs. Browns (game in London)
After dominating the first two games in Dalvin Cook's absence, Jerick McKinnon took a backseat to Latavius Murray last week. McKinnon had 47 yards on 14 carries and 10 yards on 3 catches. Meanwhile, Murray went over 100 and scored a touchdown.
McKinnon and Murray have pretty evenly split touches on the ground, but McKinnon has been much more involved in the passing game. At this point, it's just a matter of which one makes the big play for the week.
In a decent matchup this week against the Browns, McKinnon can be viewed as a strong RB2.
Week 7 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Jerick McKinnon evenly split his carries with Latavius Murray last week, with each back carrying the ball 15 times. But McKinnon was much more effective, rushing for 69 yards and a touchdown while adding another score and 30 yards on 5 catches.
McKinnon has been very involved in the passing game ever since Dalvin Cook's injury, which gives him a big boost in PPR formats. He's been strong the last two games and gets a decent matchup this week against the Ravens. He should be viewed as a low-end RB1 in both formats.
Week 6 vs. Green Bay Packers
Latavius Murray started the game for Minnesota last week, but Jerick McKinnon emerged as the star. McKinnon led the team in carries with 16 and finished with 95 yards and a touchdown, highlighted by a 58-yard carry. He also added a lot in PPR formats with 6 receptions for 51 yards.
Considering McKinnon well out-played Murray last week, we expect him to get more touches moving forward, especially in the passing game. He gets a decent matchup this week against the Packers as Green Bay is allowing the 11th-most rushing yards per game in the league.
McKinnon should be viewed as a high-end RB2 play this week.
Week 5 at Chicago Bears
Jerick McKinnon hasn't been used much—only 18 touches this season, but that's actually not too bad for a third-string back. He'll get more playing time this week and in the future with Dalvin Cook out for the season. Right now, it's expected Latavius Murray will handle most of the rushing duties while McKinnon comes in on third down or passing plays.
McKinnon is dealing with an ankle injury, but he should be fine to go for Monday night where he gets a somewhat difficult matchup against the Bears. Considering McKinnon is more of a receiving back, it doesn't bode well for him that Chicago is just one of four teams to hold running backs under 100 yards receiving so far this season.
McKinnon could have some value in the future, but this week he should be viewed as a low-end flex play. He could carry some extra value in PPR formats.
Week 3 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The game script worked for Jerick McKinnon last week, but he still didn't have a big impact. He saw 5 targets, but only caught 3 passes for 9 yards. He also added 16 yards on 3 carries. McKinnon isn't getting the ball enough to warrant fantasy consideration.
Week 2 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Jerick McKinnon got the most touches as a backup to Dalvin Cook last week, rushing 2 times for 6 yards and catching 3 passes for 32 yards. His night was highlighted by a 25-yard reception. He's simply not involved enough to warrant fantasy consideration.
