6 Things I Learned From Week 7 of the NFL Season

Jerick McKinnon Needs Higher Fantasy Football Ownership

Perhaps Jerick McKinnon's Week 7 stat line didn't compare to some of the higher-end runners in the NFL. But I'm here to tell you that it was incredibly impressive.

We've been Jerick backers (lovers?) ever since the Vikings drafted him. How could you not? His physical metrics, per our READ algorithm, aligned with Adrian Peterson's.

What was so impressive about his 19-carry, 103-yard performance against Buffalo in Week 7 is that this doesn't happen against the Bills. Buffalo ranked fifth against the run according to NEP entering the week, and haven't allowed a runner to go for more than 82 yards this season (Matt Forte did that in Week 1).

McKinnon's Rushing NEP in the game, as a result, was a solid 0.77. While that seems low for a guy who rushed for 100 yards, keep in mind that running the ball is far less efficient than passing it. Being above zero is a great sign, especially against a defense that's been so good against the run.

After mentioning this time and time again in my weekly 15 Transactions column, please - please - pick up Jerick McKinnon. He's still out there in far too many fantasy leagues.