Who will be the next hot RB pickup? (1 Viewer)

[Reegus]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

 

[SameSongNDance]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

 

[Chaka]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

It applies to pretty much every coach.

 

[Reegus]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

Interesting. I feel anyone who thinks asiata will keep the starting job is delusional.

 

[SameSongNDance]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

Interesting. I feel anyone who thinks asiata will keep the starting job is delusional.

As in monopolize all of the work? Same. Glad we could agree on something.

 

[Chaka]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

To be fair some rookie RBs get it either right away (LT) or pick it up very quickly as the season goes on (Zac Stacy) so I can't rule out the possibility that it will click for McKinnon this year but it seems incredibly unlikely, particularly as he is so much more raw than a typical rookie RB.

 

[SameSongNDance]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

To be fair some rookie RBs get it either right away (LT) or pick it up very quickly as the season goes on (Zac Stacy) so I can't rule out the possibility that it will click for McKinnon this year but it seems incredibly unlikely, particularly as he is so much more raw than a typical rookie RB.

Agreed. It's possible just not probable. As I stated somewhere else, his intangibles would have be just as extraordinary as his tangibles for him to nail down the starting job in his rookie year with essentially zero experience as a traditional RB.

 

[Reegus]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

Interesting. I feel anyone who thinks asiata will keep the starting job is delusional.

As in monopolize all of the work? Same. Glad we could agree on something.

What?

 

[VikingFrog]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

 

[JFS171]

Mike Jurecki@mikejurecki · 35m

#Cardinals announce they've signed RB Jalen Parmele to the active roster. Parmele was in training camp with the Cardinals.

 

[tone1oc]

Mike Jurecki@mikejurecki · 35m

#Cardinals announce they've signed RB Jalen Parmele to the active roster. Parmele was in training camp with the Cardinals.

50% FAAB?

 

[skinsrule05]

[

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

.

This is a very good point. And this is exactly why, barring injury, I don't think CJ Anderson will ever overtake Ball. They trust Ball evidenced by him being on the field and insanely high number of snaps. He isn't out there to win the game. He is there to keep the defenses honest and help keep Manning upright.

 

[skinsrule05]

this pretty much boils down to what ever starting RB gets hurt.

In my re-draft leagues benches are short, so you cant really hold handcuffs

Unless its <6 spots you should make room. In 12-team leagues I almost never carry a 2nd QB/TE/DEF/K. I would much rather hold 4 spots for handcuff/upside RBs and two spots for upside late pick WRs. It's working wonders so far, as I've had Knile Davis and Bernard Pierce on most teams, over WR4/5s or backup QBs. Those two are paying massive dividends this weekend. Just traded Pierce for a major WR upgrade (Jeffrey+Pierce for Julio).

Basically I think you need to go upside on your bench instead of bye-week fillers.

I like this idea. I have been holding a backup QB for Luck's bye week. Really I should just be picking up someone the no has a good matchup. I'm going to drop the backup and pickup Blue.

 

[FlapJacks]

[

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

.

This is a very good point. And this is exactly why, barring injury, I don't think CJ Anderson will ever overtake Ball. They trust Ball evidenced by him being on the field and insanely high number of snaps. He isn't out there to win the game. He is there to keep the defenses honest and help keep Manning upright.

CJ has been using his snaps well in earning the trust of the coaching staff....

 

[JohnnyU]

[

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

.

This is a very good point. And this is exactly why, barring injury, I don't think CJ Anderson will ever overtake Ball. They trust Ball evidenced by him being on the field and insanely high number of snaps. He isn't out there to win the game. He is there to keep the defenses honest and help keep Manning upright.

How can Anderson overtake Ball when he couldn't beat out Hillman for the top backup job in preseason? Not sure what Hillman and Webster did that caused them a trip to the ER and subsequently a demotion, but it must have been bad.

 

[JamesTheScot]

Well looking at the list of Fragile/injured/Iffy starters the following guys that I haven't seen mentioned come to mind...

Mike Tolbert

Mike James

Dan Herron

Tolbert missed practice yesterday with a chest injury. Surprisingly Jonathan Stewart is the only healthy running back for the Panthers.

I'd almost swear that's a sign of the Apocalypse.

 

[Biabreakable]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

To be fair some rookie RBs get it either right away (LT) or pick it up very quickly as the season goes on (Zac Stacy) so I can't rule out the possibility that it will click for McKinnon this year but it seems incredibly unlikely, particularly as he is so much more raw than a typical rookie RB.

Agreed. It's possible just not probable. As I stated somewhere else, his intangibles would have be just as extraordinary as his tangibles for him to nail down the starting job in his rookie year with essentially zero experience as a traditional RB.

I realize you are just trying to make a point, and it is a point that I generally agree with. However McKinnon did play some tailback in his senior season when not playing QB. So to say he has zero experience in that role is not entirely accurate.

McKinnon has shown signs of being a good blocker at times during the preseason. It is a matter of consistency. He is certainly strong enough to take on defenders larger than he is, but what he is working on is technique and recognition of who needs to be blocked. So they are coaching him on that.

Last season Andre Ellington was only asked to pass protect on 10% of his snaps. McKinnon could be used similarly on plays that do not ask him to block until the coaching staff gains confidence in him in this role.

 

[Chaka]

[

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

.

This is a very good point. And this is exactly why, barring injury, I don't think CJ Anderson will ever overtake Ball. They trust Ball evidenced by him being on the field and insanely high number of snaps. He isn't out there to win the game. He is there to keep the defenses honest and help keep Manning upright.

CJ has been using his snaps well in earning the trust of the coaching staff....

So has Ball. Barring injury CJ is not going to be the #1 RB for Denver, accept it and move on.

 

[Chaka]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

To be fair some rookie RBs get it either right away (LT) or pick it up very quickly as the season goes on (Zac Stacy) so I can't rule out the possibility that it will click for McKinnon this year but it seems incredibly unlikely, particularly as he is so much more raw than a typical rookie RB.

Agreed. It's possible just not probable. As I stated somewhere else, his intangibles would have be just as extraordinary as his tangibles for him to nail down the starting job in his rookie year with essentially zero experience as a traditional RB.

I realize you are just trying to make a point, and it is a point that I generally agree with. However McKinnon did play some tailback in his senior season when not playing QB. So to say he has zero experience in that role is not entirely accurate.

McKinnon has shown signs of being a good blocker at times during the preseason. It is a matter of consistency. He is certainly strong enough to take on defenders larger than he is, but what he is working on is technique and recognition of who needs to be blocked. So they are coaching him on that.

Last season Andre Ellington was only asked to pass protect on 10% of his snaps. McKinnon could be used similarly on plays that do not ask him to block until the coaching staff gains confidence in him in this role.

Playing a little RB isn't the same as being a RB, but I do agree that he could play himself into a larger role. Something like Ellington's 10.5 touches/game is probably his upside.

 

[Gopher State]

james for TB, the Rainy hype is over

 

[ShaHBucks]

Antone Smith after he kills the 2nd half.

 

[thecardiackid]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

Interesting. I feel anyone who thinks asiata will keep the starting job is delusional.

So you're saying Asiata's 13 rushes for 36 yards last week wasn't enough to lock down the job till ADP gets back? That's 2.7 ypc. for the better pass protector. I don't know much about MN's O line, but 2.7 is brutal.

My bigger concern is Cassel's horrid performance. If he keeps that crap up, it really doesn't matter who is running the ball.

I think I'm going to drop McKinnon for Turbin b/c the MN offense looks like crap.

 

[SameSongNDance]

You are comparing two different coaches? How is that relevant. Plus Bruce loved mendenhall...

A coaching staff going with the less explosive yet more reliably guy is trend you will find multiple times literally every single year. It's extremely relevant. This case just so happens to be polarizing (Asiata is super plodding and McKinnon couldn't be more raw) but that doesn't change the facts. Anyone who thinks McKinnon is going to make Asiata completely irrelevant and end up a 3-down back this year is delusional.

To be fair some rookie RBs get it either right away (LT) or pick it up very quickly as the season goes on (Zac Stacy) so I can't rule out the possibility that it will click for McKinnon this year but it seems incredibly unlikely, particularly as he is so much more raw than a typical rookie RB.

Agreed. It's possible just not probable. As I stated somewhere else, his intangibles would have be just as extraordinary as his tangibles for him to nail down the starting job in his rookie year with essentially zero experience as a traditional RB.

I realize you are just trying to make a point, and it is a point that I generally agree with. However McKinnon did play some tailback in his senior season when not playing QB. So to say he has zero experience in that role is not entirely accurate.

McKinnon has shown signs of being a good blocker at times during the preseason. It is a matter of consistency. He is certainly strong enough to take on defenders larger than he is, but what he is working on is technique and recognition of who needs to be blocked. So they are coaching him on that.

Last season Andre Ellington was only asked to pass protect on 10% of his snaps. McKinnon could be used similarly on plays that do not ask him to block until the coaching staff gains confidence in him in this role.

Traditional running back. Most of his rushes were options from the QB position.

 

[flapgreen]

Turbin

 

[Reegus]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

 

[ImTheScientist]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

Cmike is the add

 

[ldizzle]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

Cmike is the add

not even close

 

[FlapJacks]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

Cmike is the add

is he though? is he?

Turbin has the experience, is talented and has produced when given a chance.

 

[Chaka]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

Cmike is the add

Same arguments as those against McKinnon.

Maybe he has things figured out this year so I give him a better chance then McKinnon.

Either way I don't understand why so many people think Lynch is going down.

 

[steveski]

Turbin

I'm starting to feel this as well..

Cmike is the add

is he though? is he?

Turbin has the experience, is talented and has produced when given a chance.

Yeah but people are spending very early round picks on Michael in dynasty....so he has to be the guy!

 

[flapgreen]

He's probably not but Turbin may have the most favorable position in the he league as a backup rb. Lynch has back problems as well.

 

[steveski]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

Also wondering about this. I currently have Crowell but just have a hard time seeing a scenario where he's ever more than just a flex play. He has 2 RB's ahead of him. Even if West got hurt this week, they have a bye and then Tate could be back. The fact that he's flex worthy now is intriguing and I'm sure if I drop him someone else will grab him.

Turbin and Anderson are more likely to be worth nothing if there is no injury ahead of them, but if there is an injury there's a very good chance that they are top 5-10 RBs this year.

I'm leaning towards dropping Crowell for either CJ or Turbin, but not sure which yet. I wish I could just get the cajones to drop Gerhart instead.

 

[cvnpoka]

Blue due to a Foster injury or McKinnon due to more talent than Asiata are my guesses.

McKinnon is incredibly raw and I doubt his ability to read and pick up blitzes is reliable enough to warrant being a #1 RB.

I agree, I think McKinnon's ceiling this year is like a CJ Spiller role w Asiata playing the part of FJax.

I think this is a very good comparison usage wise, although FJax is obviously more gifted than Asiata.

You guys think McKinnon will get 15 touches/game?

Unless he is a prodigy in pass blocking I doubt that sincerely. Guy is very raw at the RB position.

When MIN goes down 2 scores vs. NO this week and Cassel has to air it out, who do you think we'll see on the field? McKinnon who whiffed on 1 of his 2 blocking assignments or Asiata who was perfect on all 11.

Sample size to small to draw conclusions. Asiata graded out as one of the worst pass blocking RB's in the NFL last year in his limited time. I don't think we know enough yet about either of them as consistently good pass protectors.

you need to be careful taking pff's rankings as gospel, esp rb blocking. it very often differs from what you hear out of the mouths of coaches and pundits and players are used differently than those rankings would suggest. i remember reading how ray rice and i think (could be wrong on mjd) and mjd were graded as some of the worst in the league but both of their coaches expressed supreme confidence in them.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Who will be the next Knile Davis? I'm thinking Alfred Blue or Lance Dunbar. Thoughts?

Depends who the next starting RB to get injured is.

There are two ways this could happen - injury, which is a crapshoot, or a young RB emerges and takes over from a mediocre starter, which maybe we have a shot at predicting.

Reading through this thread the only name that I see that might fit the bill, and from what's available on the WW, is McKinnon.

 

[rjv]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

Also wondering about this. I currently have Crowell but just have a hard time seeing a scenario where he's ever more than just a flex play. He has 2 RB's ahead of him. Even if West got hurt this week, they have a bye and then Tate could be back. The fact that he's flex worthy now is intriguing and I'm sure if I drop him someone else will grab him.

Turbin and Anderson are more likely to be worth nothing if there is no injury ahead of them, but if there is an injury there's a very good chance that they are top 5-10 RBs this year.

I'm leaning towards dropping Crowell for either CJ or Turbin, but not sure which yet. I wish I could just get the cajones to drop Gerhart instead.

Don't bank on CJ being worth nothing without injury.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

McKinnon saw ~20 snaps last week if I'm not mistaken. Saying they'll both see work is akin to Norv saying "We'll let more than one RB touch the ball again this week vs. NO." which is exactly what happened last week. I have no doubt that it's possible McKinnon starts to see more 1st and 2nd down work as we move forward but if MIN finds themselves down early vs. NO I just don't see them leaning on McKinnon in passing situations. They also have a tough upcoming schedule consisting of ATL, GB and DET, each of which have very potent offenses. I'm not delusional, Asiata will never get the "hot hand" (unless someone literally lights his hand on fire) but McKinnon expectations need to be kept in check as well. We watched Mendenhall hold back Ellington and BGE hold back Gio just last year and both are out of jobs this year. Although the aforementioned "plodders" might be more talented than Asiata, the RBs they were holding back were also a lot more polished than McKinnon, who never even lined up as a traditional RB in college. Expectations need to be kept in check for both.

Sure but they've also said multiple times the plan was to bring McKinnon along as a third down/COP back and the fact remains while nice words are great Asiata was terrible in his limited pass blocking attempts last season and not very good in the preseason either, graded out worse than McKinnon. In all cases I believe the sample size is to small to rely on.

From yahoo today:

Vikings OC Norv Turner said he will use both Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in Sunday's game against the Saints.Advice: Turner added that he might use one back more than the other if someone gets a hot hand. Asiata will have the first crack to get that hot hand as he'll almost certainly start the game, but we know this low-upside bulldozer with a career 3.56 YPC won't help the Adrian Peterson-less Vikings move the ball consistently. The freaky McKinnon could, but has to prove reliable and pass protect better (one sack allowed on three pass pro chances Week 2). Asiata remains the "safer" Week 3 fantasy flex play, but McKinnon is the better long-term hold.

Sounds like they are willing to let McKinnon show what he's got a bit more

No RB gets all the snaps.

And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

McKinnon will see some time, there is no question about that, but until the team has more faith in him than Asiata to limit mistakes then Asiata will be the lead back. This will apply doubly when Bridgewater gets in there because there is no way they will want to risk their shiny new first round QB any more than is absolutely necessary.

(Again) Asiata had 2.8 ypc last week, 34 yards rushing, and I don't think anyone is too surprised by that. Now, how long will that allowed to go on? That's almost no running game at all.

 

[matttyl]

Mike Jurecki@mikejurecki · 35m

#Cardinals announce they've signed RB Jalen Parmele to the active roster. Parmele was in training camp with the Cardinals.

50% FAAB?

He's not even listed on MFL to pick up. Hmm.

 

[Smack Tripper]

McKinnon saw ~20 snaps last week if I'm not mistaken. Saying they'll both see work is akin to Norv saying "We'll let more than one RB touch the ball again this week vs. NO." which is exactly what happened last week. I have no doubt that it's possible McKinnon starts to see more 1st and 2nd down work as we move forward but if MIN finds themselves down early vs. NO I just don't see them leaning on McKinnon in passing situations. They also have a tough upcoming schedule consisting of ATL, GB and DET, each of which have very potent offenses. I'm not delusional, Asiata will never get the "hot hand" (unless someone literally lights his hand on fire) but McKinnon expectations need to be kept in check as well. We watched Mendenhall hold back Ellington and BGE hold back Gio just last year and both are out of jobs this year. Although the aforementioned "plodders" might be more talented than Asiata, the RBs they were holding back were also a lot more polished than McKinnon, who never even lined up as a traditional RB in college. Expectations need to be kept in check for both.

Sure but they've also said multiple times the plan was to bring McKinnon along as a third down/COP back and the fact remains while nice words are great Asiata was terrible in his limited pass blocking attempts last season and not very good in the preseason either, graded out worse than McKinnon. In all cases I believe the sample size is to small to rely on.

From yahoo today:

Vikings OC Norv Turner said he will use both Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in Sunday's game against the Saints.

Advice: Turner added that he might use one back more than the other if someone gets a hot hand. Asiata will have the first crack to get that hot hand as he'll almost certainly start the game, but we know this low-upside bulldozer with a career 3.56 YPC won't help the Adrian Peterson-less Vikings move the ball consistently. The freaky McKinnon could, but has to prove reliable and pass protect better (one sack allowed on three pass pro chances Week 2). Asiata remains the "safer" Week 3 fantasy flex play, but McKinnon is the better long-term hold.

Sounds like they are willing to let McKinnon show what he's got a bit more

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

McKinnon will see some time, there is no question about that, but until the team has more faith in him than Asiata to limit mistakes then Asiata will be the lead back. This will apply doubly when Bridgewater gets in there because there is no way they will want to risk their shiny new first round QB any more than is absolutely necessary.

(Again) Asiata had 2.8 ypc last week, 34 yards rushing, and I don't think anyone is too surprised by that. Now, how long will that allowed to go on? That's almost no running game at all.

Asiata was dropped into a rough situaton though with all the nonsense last week. He also was serviceable last year. And McKinnon didn't do anything with his chance.

 

[just_want_2_win]

I like Blue a lot. He's already shown something with those 11 carries last week. HOU is looking good on both sides of the ball. Foster looks good but is an injury risk, obviously. Blue's likely on the WW in many leagues aside from those with deep rosters because of injury pressures and upcoming bye weeks. And at this point it seems like no one is blocking his path. He's my #1 vote easily at the moment.

I like McKinnon in MIN too though not as much because the whole AP situation is less linear than that with HOU. As stated above, Asiata isn't anything special. McK is raw but has the tools. Public anger seems to be at a place right now where MIN can't bring back AP anytime soon.

 

[Bayhawks]

McKinnon saw ~20 snaps last week if I'm not mistaken. Saying they'll both see work is akin to Norv saying "We'll let more than one RB touch the ball again this week vs. NO." which is exactly what happened last week. I have no doubt that it's possible McKinnon starts to see more 1st and 2nd down work as we move forward but if MIN finds themselves down early vs. NO I just don't see them leaning on McKinnon in passing situations. They also have a tough upcoming schedule consisting of ATL, GB and DET, each of which have very potent offenses. I'm not delusional, Asiata will never get the "hot hand" (unless someone literally lights his hand on fire) but McKinnon expectations need to be kept in check as well. We watched Mendenhall hold back Ellington and BGE hold back Gio just last year and both are out of jobs this year. Although the aforementioned "plodders" might be more talented than Asiata, the RBs they were holding back were also a lot more polished than McKinnon, who never even lined up as a traditional RB in college. Expectations need to be kept in check for both.

Sure but they've also said multiple times the plan was to bring McKinnon along as a third down/COP back and the fact remains while nice words are great Asiata was terrible in his limited pass blocking attempts last season and not very good in the preseason either, graded out worse than McKinnon. In all cases I believe the sample size is to small to rely on.

From yahoo today:

Vikings OC Norv Turner said he will use both Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in Sunday's game against the Saints.

Advice: Turner added that he might use one back more than the other if someone gets a hot hand. Asiata will have the first crack to get that hot hand as he'll almost certainly start the game, but we know this low-upside bulldozer with a career 3.56 YPC won't help the Adrian Peterson-less Vikings move the ball consistently. The freaky McKinnon could, but has to prove reliable and pass protect better (one sack allowed on three pass pro chances Week 2). Asiata remains the "safer" Week 3 fantasy flex play, but McKinnon is the better long-term hold.

Sounds like they are willing to let McKinnon show what he's got a bit more

No RB gets all the snaps.And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

McKinnon will see some time, there is no question about that, but until the team has more faith in him than Asiata to limit mistakes then Asiata will be the lead back. This will apply doubly when Bridgewater gets in there because there is no way they will want to risk their shiny new first round QB any more than is absolutely necessary.

(Again) Asiata had 2.8 ypc last week, 34 yards rushing, and I don't think anyone is too surprised by that. Now, how long will that allowed to go on? That's almost no running game at all.

Asiata was dropped into a rough situaton though with all the nonsense last week. He also was serviceable last year. And McKinnon didn't do anything with his chance.

He averaged 3.77 YPC in his two starts. He had a long run of 39 yards (which you can't discount), almost 2/3 of his rushes were for 3 yards or less, and he caught 5/8 targets for 12 total yards. One of those games was in week 17 against a Detroit team who had as little to play for as the Vikings.

I don't think McKinnon is taking over anytime soon, but if Asiata is only as serviceable as he was last year, the Vikes will have to look elsewhere.

 

[skinsrule05]

I like Blue a lot. He's already shown something with those 11 carries last week. HOU is looking good on both sides of the ball. Foster looks good but is an injury risk, obviously. Blue's likely on the WW in many leagues aside from those with deep rosters because of injury pressures and upcoming bye weeks. And at this point it seems like no one is blocking his path. He's my #1 vote easily at the moment.

I like McKinnon in MIN too though not as much because the whole AP situation is less linear than that with HOU. As stated above, Asiata isn't anything special. McK is raw but has the tools. Public anger seems to be at a place right now where MIN can't bring back AP anytime soon.

I agree with this. Foster was an injury risk coming into the season. He has had a heavy workload and is dealing w/ a hamstring injury. Plus if Foster goes down Blue is in a good position being w/ a good team. Even if McKinnon gets the nod how productive do we expect him to be?

 

[the_vision]

Antone Smith after he kills the 2nd half.

What's the story on Smith. He has done some nice things on limited touches.

 

[Chaka]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

Also wondering about this. I currently have Crowell but just have a hard time seeing a scenario where he's ever more than just a flex play. He has 2 RB's ahead of him. Even if West got hurt this week, they have a bye and then Tate could be back. The fact that he's flex worthy now is intriguing and I'm sure if I drop him someone else will grab him.

Turbin and Anderson are more likely to be worth nothing if there is no injury ahead of them, but if there is an injury there's a very good chance that they are top 5-10 RBs this year.

I'm leaning towards dropping Crowell for either CJ or Turbin, but not sure which yet. I wish I could just get the cajones to drop Gerhart instead.

Don't bank on CJ being worth nothing without injury.

What are you basing this on? In week one Ball was in on 66 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 8 offensive snaps. In week two Ball was in on 37 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 12 offensive snaps.

I think Denver is willing to bank on Ball and so should fantasy football players.

 

[Chaka]

McKinnon saw ~20 snaps last week if I'm not mistaken. Saying they'll both see work is akin to Norv saying "We'll let more than one RB touch the ball again this week vs. NO." which is exactly what happened last week. I have no doubt that it's possible McKinnon starts to see more 1st and 2nd down work as we move forward but if MIN finds themselves down early vs. NO I just don't see them leaning on McKinnon in passing situations. They also have a tough upcoming schedule consisting of ATL, GB and DET, each of which have very potent offenses. I'm not delusional, Asiata will never get the "hot hand" (unless someone literally lights his hand on fire) but McKinnon expectations need to be kept in check as well. We watched Mendenhall hold back Ellington and BGE hold back Gio just last year and both are out of jobs this year. Although the aforementioned "plodders" might be more talented than Asiata, the RBs they were holding back were also a lot more polished than McKinnon, who never even lined up as a traditional RB in college. Expectations need to be kept in check for both.

Sure but they've also said multiple times the plan was to bring McKinnon along as a third down/COP back and the fact remains while nice words are great Asiata was terrible in his limited pass blocking attempts last season and not very good in the preseason either, graded out worse than McKinnon. In all cases I believe the sample size is to small to rely on.

From yahoo today:

Vikings OC Norv Turner said he will use both Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon in Sunday's game against the Saints.Advice: Turner added that he might use one back more than the other if someone gets a hot hand. Asiata will have the first crack to get that hot hand as he'll almost certainly start the game, but we know this low-upside bulldozer with a career 3.56 YPC won't help the Adrian Peterson-less Vikings move the ball consistently. The freaky McKinnon could, but has to prove reliable and pass protect better (one sack allowed on three pass pro chances Week 2). Asiata remains the "safer" Week 3 fantasy flex play, but McKinnon is the better long-term hold.

Sounds like they are willing to let McKinnon show what he's got a bit more

No RB gets all the snaps.

And the fact also remains that McKinnon is a converted college QB who has never had to read blitzing LBs & DBs and is learning on the fly. He may have freaky running ability but one of the most consistent truisms in football is that head coaches and offensive coordinators will play the running back they believe will make the fewest mistakes. Giving up sacks, which lead to turnovers and QB injuries is the cardinal sin for a RB. Every year people choose to ignore that because some RB or another runs real pretty in preseason or has freakish measurables.

McKinnon will see some time, there is no question about that, but until the team has more faith in him than Asiata to limit mistakes then Asiata will be the lead back. This will apply doubly when Bridgewater gets in there because there is no way they will want to risk their shiny new first round QB any more than is absolutely necessary.

(Again) Asiata had 2.8 ypc last week, 34 yards rushing, and I don't think anyone is too surprised by that. Now, how long will that allowed to go on? That's almost no running game at all.

Asiata also had 5 receptions for 48 yards and a TD.

I agree that McKinnon is likely a better runner, but he will need to demonstrate much more than pure running ability to surpass even a bad RB. If McKinnon can hit his 3.8 YPC from last season then I think the Vikes will stick with him as the lead guy until they feel they can trust McKinnon to take on a bigger role. I honestly have no idea where McKinnon stands as far as his ability to read and pick up blitzes in the NFL. Does anyone here?

But I guarantee you they won't want a guy they don't have complete faith in to protect their shiny new QB from blitzing LBs & DBs. Cassel OTOH...?

 

[Raiderfan32904]

L. Murray - Here's why. DMC is running hard but right at any potential tackler in his way. He's got running lanes to get much more yardage than he does, but he's got all the vision of a cross-eyed mole. MJD has a busted hand, but looking at his rushing attempts, he looks about done. In any case, we can assume that neither of these guys are long for the Silver and Black and Murray is the cheap second year back who will be around for 2015. Once the season is officially lost (not long from now), there may even be a coaching change. In any event, the interim coaches are going to want to see what they have in Murray. I think his time is coming later this season, & if you can afford to stash him, it could well be worth the wait.

 

[steveski]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

Also wondering about this. I currently have Crowell but just have a hard time seeing a scenario where he's ever more than just a flex play. He has 2 RB's ahead of him. Even if West got hurt this week, they have a bye and then Tate could be back. The fact that he's flex worthy now is intriguing and I'm sure if I drop him someone else will grab him.

Turbin and Anderson are more likely to be worth nothing if there is no injury ahead of them, but if there is an injury there's a very good chance that they are top 5-10 RBs this year.

I'm leaning towards dropping Crowell for either CJ or Turbin, but not sure which yet. I wish I could just get the cajones to drop Gerhart instead.

Don't bank on CJ being worth nothing without injury.

What are you basing this on? In week one Ball was in on 66 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 8 offensive snaps. In week two Ball was in on 37 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 12 offensive snaps.

I think Denver is willing to bank on Ball and so should fantasy football players.

I do agree that at this point Denver plans on using Ball as their main guy, but the stats you posted show the opposite of what you're saying. What you're saying is that in week 1, CJ was only in on 10% of the snaps and in week 2, he was in on 24% of the snaps. I know it's a small sample size, but it is a substantial increase.

 

[Chaka]

Crowell is another one to add to the list if he hasn't already been stashed..

Crowell is getting carries now and performing with them, but what happens when Tate comes back.

Do people thing true workhorse flyers like turbin or Anderson are a better choice to stash on your bench.

Also wondering about this. I currently have Crowell but just have a hard time seeing a scenario where he's ever more than just a flex play. He has 2 RB's ahead of him. Even if West got hurt this week, they have a bye and then Tate could be back. The fact that he's flex worthy now is intriguing and I'm sure if I drop him someone else will grab him.

Turbin and Anderson are more likely to be worth nothing if there is no injury ahead of them, but if there is an injury there's a very good chance that they are top 5-10 RBs this year.

I'm leaning towards dropping Crowell for either CJ or Turbin, but not sure which yet. I wish I could just get the cajones to drop Gerhart instead.

Don't bank on CJ being worth nothing without injury.

What are you basing this on? In week one Ball was in on 66 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 8 offensive snaps. In week two Ball was in on 37 offensive snaps and CJ was in on 12 offensive snaps.

I think Denver is willing to bank on Ball and so should fantasy football players.

I do agree that at this point Denver plans on using Ball as their main guy, but the stats you posted show the opposite of what you're saying. What you're saying is that in week 1, CJ was only in on 10% of the snaps and in week 2, he was in on 24% of the snaps. I know it's a small sample size, but it is a substantial increase.

Okay so you think this week he will get 37% of the snaps? And in two weeks it will 50%? By week 8 Anderson will be getting 100% of the snaps?

Or is it more likely that the Broncos realized that you can't put any RB on the field for 89% of the offensive snaps and expect them to survive the season?

 

[whiskey7]

Unless its <6 spots you should make room. In 12-team leagues I almost never carry a 2nd QB/TE/DEF/K. I would much rather hold 4 spots for handcuff/upside RBs and two spots for upside late pick WRs. It's working wonders so far, as I've had Knile Davis and Bernard Pierce on most teams, over WR4/5s or backup QBs. Those two are paying massive dividends this weekend. Just traded Pierce for a major WR upgrade (Jeffrey+Pierce for Julio).

Basically I think you need to go upside on your bench instead of bye-week fillers.

I'm thinking about doing this to be honest, just to try something different, especially with all the injuries and a losing record. Dropping all of the bye week fillers (F-Jax, Vereen, Wayne, etc), and load up on 4 of the top RB handcuffs. Trying to deal these guys in trades is nearly impossible for some reason. However, this will cause a few league members to spend some FAAB dollars on acquiring them while potentially dropping more under-the-radar prospects into the pool of free agents. Looking at the stat sheet, some of these backup guys are getting enough garbage time points that almost rivals what the fillers are already producing.

I'm not sure who else to list or how you would rank them in terms of preference, but it looks like these are the guys to have so far include:

CJ Anderson

Alfred Blue

Jerick McKinnon

Damien Willams

Robert Turbin

Storm Johnson

Silas Redd

Lance Dunbar

Latavius Murray

So you're going to drop (or trade) proven players you drafted/bought to pick-up guys who may have startable value if someone else gets hurt or benched? That's one way to go I guess

 

[jmo87usc]

Mike Jurecki@mikejurecki · 35m

#Cardinals announce they've signed RB Jalen Parmele to the active roster. Parmele was in training camp with the Cardinals.

50% FAAB?

Just looked and he's not even in the waiver database for our league. Anyone else have same issue on MFL?

 

[SameSongNDance]

Mike Jurecki@mikejurecki · 35m

#Cardinals announce they've signed RB Jalen Parmele to the active roster. Parmele was in training camp with the Cardinals.

50% FAAB?

Just looked and he's not even in the waiver database for our league. Anyone else have same issue on MFL?

Arians announced that Parmele will get GL work but can he really hold any value?

Here's a ####### deep one. LaMicheal James after he's picked up by someone next week.