Fantasy Football: 3 Rushing Attacks to Target for the Playoffs
Minnesota Vikings
Week 14: at Jacksonville
Week 15: vs. Indianapolis
Week 16: at Green Bay
Much like the Rams, the Minnesota Vikings have two mouth-watering matchups in the fantasy playoffs, but you'll have to stomach a very difficult game, as well.
The Vikings get to square off with the Indianapolis Colts and Jacksonville Jaguars in back-to-back weeks to start the fantasy postseason. The Jags and Colts rank 27th and 28th, respectively, in Adjusted Defensive Rushing NEP per play. Jacksonville has been league average in terms of fantasy points allowed to runners, ranking 15th, while the Colts have surrendered the fifth-most points to running backs.
On the flip side, the Green Bay Packers boast one of the league's top run defenses. They rank second against the run, per our metrics, and they've allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs. However, the matchups with Indy and Jacksonville are so nice, it's worth it to chase after the Vikings' run game in the hopes it'll help you reach championship week.
As for who to target, it appears Jerick McKinnon is our best bet. A world-class athlete who showed very well in limited work prior to this season, McKinnon and the entire Vikings' running game has struggled behind a shoddy offensive line. Fortunately for McKinnon, when he sat last week against the Chicago Bears, Matt Asiata turned in a clunker, picking up a measly 42 yards on 14 carries.
McKinnon should get the chance to take over the backfield when he returns -- which sounds like it will be this week -- and he is probably pretty cheap to acquire right now.
