The Minnesota Vikings gave rookie running back Jerick McKinnon the bulk of the snaps against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. McKinnon ended up putting up 82 total yards from scrimmage while touching the ball 17 times, much more than Matt Asiata, who previously was earning more playing time. Asiata had just three touches on the day.
Jerick McKinnon takes bulk of RB snaps over Matt Asiata; fantasy value rising
Jerick McKinnon is getting more and more playing time in Minnesota, taking more snaps than Matt Asiata in Week 6. We break down the fantasy implications.
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McKinnon wound up playing on 48 offensive snaps, while Asiata lined up for 15 of them. McKinnon has a lot more big-play potential while Asiata seems to be nothing more than a short-yardage back. McKinnon is much faster and more athletic in general, and should get the starting nod going forward.
Fantasy Impact: Obviously, the Vikings’ running back position looks much different than it did at the start of the season. Asiata has turned in a few solid fantasy performances, exclusively due to his role as a short-yardage back in the red zone. McKinnon has a whole lot of fantasy upside though, as long as the Vikings remain committed to giving him plenty of touches per game. That seems likely going forward, so fantasy owners can count on him over Asiata in the coming weeks.
