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Fantasy Football: Top 10 Waiver Wire Week 3 Pickups

By Zachary Thompson

Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs with the ball as he is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the first quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs with the ball as he is tackled by Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey (20) during the first quarter of the game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) runs for a short gain after a missed tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Sean Spence (55) during the firs thalf at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Nashville, TN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Jerick McKinnon (21) runs for a short gain after a missed tackle by Tennessee Titans linebacker Sean Spence (55) during the firs thalf at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /

Jerick McKinnon-RB-Minnesota Vikings (24.1%)

Another running back who could get expanded playing time going forward is Vikings’ third-year back Jerick McKinnon. I gave Whittaker a slight advantage over McKinnon because there’s less clarity on exactly how much of a chance McKinnon will get.

McKinnon will get the lion’s share of the workload while Adrian Peterson is sidelined, but that could be less than a week or extend out to a few games. When Peterson went down on Sunday Night Football, everyone feared his season was over, but today the Vikings announced that he avoided major injury. Peterson has a torn meniscus which officially has him “out indefinitely,” but coach Mike Zimmer wouldn’t rule him out for Week 3.

Peterson will most likely be out this week against the Panthers which will make McKinnon an intriguing option on the waiver wire Week 3. McKinnon had a strong preseason, and he has huge upside if he can lay claim to the every-down back job. He may initially have to share carries with veteran Matt Asiata who is best used as a short-yardage and goalline back.

McKinnon will be a high-risk flex option this week in a tough matchup against the Panthers, but if he has a good game he’ll be usable in upcoming matchups against the Giants, Texans, Eagles, and Bears. Depending on how much of a chance he’s lined up for, McKinnon could be worthless or one of the most important pickups of the season. I’d advise against playing him this week unless you’re totally desperate, but he should be owned in all formats.

Next: He could be about to step into a huge role

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