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Bears' Problem Child Has Arrived ๐Ÿ˜ค
Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Rashean Mathis (31) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2014, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

Matt Asiata, Jerick McKinnon's Instant Fantasy Reaction After Week 6

Andrew Gould
Oct 12, 2014

Jerick McKinnon slashed the Matt Asiata bandwagon's tires on Sunday, assuming the Minnesota Vikings' primary running back duties during Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Detroit Lions.ย ย ย 

The speedy rookie gained 82 total yards to Asiata's 13. With his role continuing to expand, he has usurped his teammate as the top Minnesota rusher to own.

PlayerCarriesRush YDsYPCTDsRec.Rec. YDs
Jerick McKinnon11403.60642
Matt Asiata2-5-2.50118

While initially used as a change-of-pace back, McKinnon found himself on the field for longer stretches. Rotoworld's Raymond Summerlin takes his presence in passing situations as a positive sign going forward:

After going backwards for minus-five rushing yards against the Lions, Asiata is averaging 3.5 yards per carry this season. Grantland's Robert Mays mourned the changing of the guard:

The 27-year-old won plenty of fantasy matchups with his three-touchdown gem during Week 4, but McKinnon has emerged as the more talented and dangerous threat in Minnesota's backfield.

McKinnon is a usable flex play against a stout Buffalo Bills defense next week, but he's the guy fantasy gamers want going forward. Just don't drop Asiata yet in case the new delegation proves to be a one-week outlier.

Bears' Problem Child Has Arrived ๐Ÿ˜ค