For the second straight game, running back Jerick McKinnon received the edge in touches over teammate Latavius Murray in the Minnesota Vikings backfield but Murray outperformed the fourth-year back once again. McKinnon rushed 14 times for 48 yards and caught five passes for 12 yards in the win over the Los Angeles Rams. He averaged fewer than 3 yards per catch in Week 11, his lowest average yards per catch of the season. McKinnon was noticeably absent on the red-zone plays the last two games.
Fantasy football start/sit advice Week 12: What to do with Jerick McKinnon Thursday
McKinnon struggled to produce while getting the most touches in the Vikings backfield again in Week 11. We look at the fantasy impact.
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McKinnon has a very favorable matchup with the division rival Detroit Lions Thursday. The Lions have allowed the 11th-most rushing yards, 10th-most receiving yards, and second-most rushing touchdowns to running backs this season. McKinnon did not gain any yards against the Lions in their first meeting. He was the third-string rusher behind rookie Dalvin Cook and Murray in that game.
Fantasy impact: McKinnon has trailed off on the field and his fantasy stock has taken a dive as well. The Vikings give him a lot of touches, but he is not doing much with his chances. As a result, Minnesota has abandoned using McKinnon in the red zone. He will get a lot of touches against Detriot again on Thursday. The Lions are a softer defense, so he may have a bump in yards. However, McKinnon can not offer too much value without red-zone touches. There are better RB prospects to utilize this week.
