Jerick McKinnon

From Weeks 10-17, both Isiah Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon were top-21 half-point scorers. Jerick McKinnon was the RB7 in points per game, third in RB receptions at 35 with seven receiving TDs. The Chiefs scatback made the most of his opportunities as a receiver out of the backfield especially with Mecole Hardman sidelined. Because Hardman's injury correlated with a massive spike in usage for McKinnnon. In eight games with Hardman in the lineup, McKinnon was averaging close to just three targets per game. That number jumped to five in the nine games with Hardman out, as did McKinnon's receptions totals (2-to-4). His yardage also spiked from just under 20 yards to nearly 40 receiving yards per game. It's clear at this point in McKinnon's career that he cannot be deployed as anything more than a breather/pass-catching back in the rotation with another. He is already 30 years old and probably has the most fantasy value if he remains a Chief. His re-signing in KC is ideal for anyone invested in Pacheco, as McKinnon's return makes it less likely that KC invests significantly into another veteran running back option.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Kansas City Chiefs are officially bringing back RB Jerick McKinnon.

Fantasy Impact

McKinnon's play down the stretch was vital to Kansas City's success, emerging as one of the league's premier pass catchers out of the backfield. McKinnon put up career numbers in many statistical categories en route to a finish as a fantasy RB2. With a role seemingly carved out, he can be a valuable fantasy option yet again, particularly in PPR leagues. And even though touchdown regression can be expected, a similar season can never be ruled out in a high-powered offense like Kansas City's.