NFC Conference Championship at Philadelphia Eagles
Latavius Murray mostly struggled last week, rushing 19 times for 50 yards (2.6 yards per carry). He had a decent fantasy output, however, finishing with 67 total yards and a touchdown. This has mostly been the story for Murray ever since he replaced Dalvin Cook. Murray gets enough touches to put up a decent-enough performance, even though he really doesn't play that well.
We could see a similar story this week in a tough matchup against the Eagles. Philly allowed the second-fewest fantasy points to opposing backs in the regular season and held Devonta Freeman in check (10 carries, 7 yards) last week in the playoffs.
Murray is one of the few backs left in the playoffs who actually gets a healthy amount of touches, so for that reason alone, he's a decent option this week. But don't be surprised if he struggles.
Divisional Round vs. Saints
Latavius Murray's production changes from game-to-game, but what's consistent is the fact he gets plenty of chances. He ended the season with three straight games of 20 carries or more, which gives him a very high floor.
Murray struggled when he first took over, and had a bad game versus Carolina, but mostly had success outside of that. If we take out his Carolina game, he averaged 91 yards after the Week 9 bye.
While Murray isn't a super talented rusher, he should get plenty of carries this week in a decent matchup against the Saints. You can likely expect an average performance of around 70 yards with a chance for a TD.
Week 17 vs. Chicago Bears
The Vikings leaned heavily on Latavius Murray again last week as he finished with another 20+ carry game. He had 69 yards on 21 attempts, which isn't great, but it's promising for fantasy owners because Murray is heavily involved almost every week.
He gets a difficult matchup this week against the Bears, who haven't allowed a rushing touchdown to a back since Week 10. Murray also struggled against Chicago earlier in the year, finishing with 31 yards on 12 attempts (2.6 yards per carry).
Murray doesn't have a high ceiling, but he does have a high floor, and that's why he should be viewed as an RB2 this week.
Week 16 at Green Bay Packers
Latavius Murray led the way in Minnesota's backfield last week, carrying the ball 20 times for 76 yards and a touchdown. He also had 1 catch for 28 yards—104 total yards and a score is a pretty solid game for any back. Murray should continue that success this week in a favorable matchup against the Packers.
Green Bay has allowed the fifth-most fantasy points to opposing backs, although Murray struggled in his earlier outing against them. In Week 6, Murray carried the ball 15 times and finished with just 28 yards versus the Packers.
We expect a better outing for him this week and he should be viewed as a solid RB2.
Week 15 vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Latavius Murray did have a streak of solid games, but that ended last week in a tough matchup against Carolina. He finished with just 14 yards on 9 carries while adding 9 yards on 2 catches.
His numbers should improve this week in a much better matchup against the Bengals. Cincinnati has allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing backs this season. He's not an elite option, but he should be a solid RB2 play.
Week 14 at Carolina Panthers
Latavius Murray played well last week, finishing with 97 total yards. He was once again the team's featured rusher, which is a role he's easily taken over. Murray has played well lately after an initial rough start, averaging 86 total yards in his last four games, while scoring four times in that stretch.
Unfortunately for Murray owners, the Vikings back gets a rough matchup this week against Carolina. The Panthers allowed a big game last week to the Saints, but that was an anomaly. For the most part, Carolina has been tough against backs all season, giving up just 4 rushing scores outside of the Saints game.
Murray should be viewed as an RB2 play.
Week 13 at Atlanta Falcons
Latavius Murray has now led the Vikings in rushing yards for three straight games, making him the more appealing option in Minnesota's backfield, at least in standard leagues. Oddly, he and Jerick McKinnon have swapped in terms of production since Dalvin Cook's injury, and Murray seems to have finally found his groove.
However, Murray could struggle a bit this week in a fairly tough matchup against the Falcons. Atlanta has held backs to an average of 64 rushing yards in its last five games. And considering Murray is barely used in the passing game, he'll have to find success on the ground somehow.
Owners should view Murray as an RB3 or FLEX play this week.
Week 12 at Detroit Lions
Latavius Murray has found a groove after the Vikings' bye week, as he's produced two great games in a row. Last week was Murray's best of the season as he finished with 95 rushing yards and 2 scores. He's still not much of a factor as a receiver, but he's made up for it with his carries in recent weeks.
This week he gets a favorable matchup against the Lions, as Detroit is giving up 114.2 rushing yards per game. More importantly, the Lions have allowed 12 scores on the ground, which is the second-highest in the NFL.
Murray should be viewed as a solid RB2 in a great matchup.
Week 11 vs. Los Angeles Rams
Latavius Murray was the Vikings back to own last week, rushing 17 times for 68 yards and a touchdown. He still wasn't involved in the passing game, catching just 2 passes in his last four games combined. But he's been heavily involved as a rusher, getting 15+ carries in those four games.
We expect the Vikings to continue to lean on Murray in the ground game this week against the Rams. The Rams' pass defense is strong, but its rush defense has been weak. Since Minnesota is a run-first team anyway, expect Murray to get plenty of looks.
Murray has struggled some this season, but he's still getting opportunities, which means he should be good enough as a FLEX play this week.
Week 10 at Washington
Latavius Murray has really struggled since taking over after Dalvin Cook's injury. Minnesota keeps giving him carries, so he'll continue to be relevant in fantasy, but it's incredible how little he's been able to accomplish. Outside of two runs, he's averaged 2.4 yards on 69 carries in the last four games.
Murray gets a fairly difficult matchup this week against Washington, and will likely continue his struggles. But if Minnesota keeps giving him 15+ carries per game, he's going to be someone worth keeping around in fantasy. As of now, though, he's not much more than a low-end flex play.
