Fantasy Football Week 8 Breakout Star: RB Jerick McKinnon
By Bill Pivetz
@BPiv_Sports
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
This has been one surprising football season, especially for the Minnesota Vikings. Many thought they would have their superstar running back to lean on as they developed a young wide receiver. However, plans have changed and the team plans to ride the coattails of rookie rusher Jerick McKinnon. In Week 8, he will become the new superstar.
After the whole Adrian Peterson situation happened, the Vikings planned on using Matt Asiata as the leading rusher. That didn’t work and the team decided to give McKinnon a shot. He showed everyone what he got in Week 4, rushing 18 times for 135 yards (7.50 ypc). He had a couple of mediocre games before his next breakout game in Week 7. McKinnond rushed 19 times for 103 yards (5.42 ypc).
McKinnon is now the No. 1 running back for the Vikings. He out-touched Asiata last week, 21 to seven. The hot streak will continue this week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have one of the worst rush defenses, allowing 20.8 fantasy points per game and eight total touchdowns to opposing running backs. While McKinnon doesn’t have a touchdown yet this season, his time is coming. This will be the game McKinnon will have a superstar performance.
As the No. 1 guy, he should be picked up in all leagues. While he isn’t at the same level as Peterson on the field, he will get the same number of touches. The Vikings are starting another rookie, Teddy Bridgewater, under center. Bridgewater is struggling throwing the ball down field, which bodes well for McKinnon and the running game.
McKinnon is still available in 55 percent of ESPN.com leagues. With many teams going on bye in Week 9, six to be exact, McKinnon should be picked up before it’s too late.
Bill Pivetz is a fantasy sports blogger for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @BPiv_Sports.
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