It is seeming like running back Jerick McKinnon is not going to suit up for the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night against the Chicago Bears due to an ankle injury. The Vikings are not expected to have too much trouble with the 1-6 Bears, so exposing him to further injury does not seem worth the risk.
Fantasy football start/sit advice, Week 8: Matt Asiata is still a risky start
Minnesota’s running back will likely see more time on the field this week due to other injuries in the team’s backfield. We explore the fantasy implications.
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
If this ends up happening, Matt Asiata is the next man up to make up for McKinnon’s time on the field. Fellow running back Ronnie Hillman could see an increase in snaps also if McKinnon is out on Monday, but Asiata figures to get the majority of the time on the field as Minnesota’s featured back.
Fantasy Impact: Known more for his goal line touchdowns than anything, do not expect Asiata to rack up bunch of yardage against a Chicago defense that has done relatively well against the run this year.
The Bears are giving up the sixth fewest fantasy points per game to opposing running backs in 2016. Chicago allowed two backs to gain at least 100 yards in two of their first three games (Lamar Miller and Ezekiel Elliott), but they have not allowed a running back to gain over 35 yards in three of their last four games.
Yahoo! projects Asiata to finish with 58 total yards on 12 touches against the Bears. Fantasy owners should definitely consider all options before inserting the running back in their lineups this week.
