With Adrian Peterson deactivated, third-year running back Matt Asiata is likely to see the bulk of the carries when the Minnesota Vikings take on the New England Patriots on Sunday. Asiata made waves late last season when he filled in for an injured Peterson in the season finale against the Detroit Lions. He carried the ball 14 times for 115 yards, a stellar 8.2 yards per carry average.
Matt Asiata is a potential fantasy start against Patriots
Matt Asiata will get a chance to carry the load against a suspect New England Patriots run defense on Sunday.
Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
The previous week, he saw the first significant action of his career against the Philadelphia Eagles, carrying the ball 30 times for just 51 yards, but three touchdowns. The 1.7 yards per carry average wasn't anything to hang his hat on, but he came through when the Vikings needed him in the red zone, and it led to a 48-30 victory in the end.
Fantasy Impact: Against the St. Louis Rams in Week 1, the Vikings attempted 25 passes and ran the ball 32 times, with Asiata getting just two of those carries. Cordarrelle Patterson, a second-year receiver, had three carries for 102 yards and can be expected to get even more opportunities out of the backfield on Sunday.
But Asiata will likely make the start ahead of rookie third-round pick Jerick McKinnon. Asiata has solid fantasy value and the potential to put up big numbers against the Patriots, a team that allowed 191 rushing yards to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1.
