Fantasy Football Waiver Wire 2014: Top 10 Week 7 pickups

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Oct 12, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (31) rushes against the Detroit Lions for 9 yards in the first quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerick McKinnon-RB-Minnesota Vikings (5.1%)

Welcome to the McKinnon era in Minnesota after the coaching staff made conscious move from Matt Asiata to the dynamic (but risky) rookie running back out of Georgia Southern. On Sunday, he started and got 17 touches in the Vikings loss to the Lions. Former starter Matt Asiata had a bad deflection which turned into an interception while only getting two carries and one catch.

In his first start, McKinnon led the Vikings in both rushing and receiving finishing with 40 yards on 11 rushes and adding 42 yards on his six catches. McKinnon has huge upside as he adjusts to the Vikings offense but he’ll need better play from his offensive line and from the Vikings offense in general. Expect him and fellow-rookie Teddy Bridgewater to grow and the Vikings offense to improve as the season progresses.

Last week was a tough matchup against the solid Lions front-seven, and things don’t get a lot easier this week as the Vikings take on the Bills. After this week, though, McKinnon’s matchups get soft as he takes on the Bucs, Redskins, Bears, Packers, and Panthers. He’s the only available long-term top running back available, and his high ceiling makes him the top target this week if his previous appearances on this list haven’t inspired anyone in your league to already have him stashed.

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