Matt Asiata Fantasy Overview

Vikings OC Norv Turner said RBs Matt Asiata and Jerick McKinnon will play against the Saints on Sunday.  He added that he "might use 1 more if he gets a hot hand."  That's a bit surprising since McKinnon doesn't seem ready for a significant role.  He's still not a Week 3 fantasy option but is definitely worth stashing.  Turner's comment makes Asiata a riskier fantasy play.  A subpar NFL talent, he's unlikely to develop that hot hand.

Rookie Vikings RB Jerick McKinnon led the team with 12 carries and 45 yards in Friday night's preseason opener against the Raiders.  RB Matt Asiata started, carried 3 times for 13 yards and scored the team's lone TD before turning the backfield over to McKinnon on the 2nd drive.  "Jerick has got great acceleration, he’s got great hands, he’s tough, he’s thick, he’s powerful and it showed,” HC Mike Zimmer told the Minneapolis Star Tribune afterward.  It's too early to read into the order of playing time between McKinnon and Asiata, especially considering that one's a rookie and the other a returning player.  McKinnon offers more quickness than the pounding style of Asiata, which could mean a workload split if Adrian Peterson gets hurt in the regular season.  For now, we'll continue to watch the backup battle play out before targeting either as a handcuff.