Week 8 vs. Browns (game in London)
Latavius Murray finally averaged more than 2.0 yards a carry last week, running 18 times for 113 yards. His day was highlighted by a 29-yard touchdown run, and he also added a 35-yard run. If you take those big runs away, Murray's day gets a lot worse, which is why he's still a somewhat risky option in fantasy.
Jerick McKinnon has played better than Murray since Dalvin Cook's injury, but Minnesota keeps giving Murray more carries. He should continue to get plenty of looks this week in a decent matchup against the Browns, making him a solid flex option.
Week 7 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Latavius Murray has received double-digit touches in both games since Dalvin Cook's injury, but he's struggled to find any type of success. He's had 27 carries for 59 yards in those games—a 2.1 yards-per-attempt average. His overall season has been pretty poor as well, even before Cook's injury.
Murray will likely continue to get touches, but the back to own in Minnesota is Jerick McKinnon. Murray is nothing more than a poor flex play this week.
Week 6 vs. Green Bay Packers
Latavius Murray started last week, but took a backseat to Jerick McKinnon by the time the game was over. Murray finished with 12 carries, but struggled to find much running room as he finished with 31 yards (2.6 yards-per-carry average). He also wasn't much of a factor in the passing game, catching just 2 passes for 12 yards.
We expect Murray to still have a role in Minnesota's offense, but McKinnon has become the clear back to own for now. Murray should get close to double-digit touches in a favorable matchup, but he's not much more than a low-end RB3 or flex play this week.
Week 5 at Chicago Bears
Latavius Murray is expected to take over the Vikings backfield this week with Dalvin Cook out for the rest of the year. It's expected Murray will get most of the rushing work while Jerick McKinnon plays on third-down/passing situations.
Murray gets a fairly difficult matchup this week as Chicago is allowing the sixth-fewest rushing yards per game, and the eighth-lowest yards per carry this season. But the Bears have allowed a touchdown to a back in every game this season, so if Murray can hit the averages, he'll be just fine.
Murray carries some question marks due to the fact we haven't seen the Vikings play a full game without Cook. But we still like Murray enough to make him a solid RB2 play this week.
Week 1 vs. New Orleans Saints
Latavius Murray backs up rookie Dalvin Cook in Week 1. We have to wait and see how Minnesota ends up using both backs, but we project Cook will be given most of the touches. Murray should see some playing time, but it likely won't be enough to warrant a start in fantasy.
Fantasy Upside
Latavius Murray did the best he could with limited touches last season on the Raiders. He played in 14 games, and only had four with more than 15 carries, averaging 86 yards on the ground in those four games. So when he gets the ball, he can be an effective runner.
He comes to Minnesota this season where his main competition is rookie Dalvin Cook. Murray has already admitted Cook is the starter, but we wouldn’t be surprised if they split carries throughout the season.
Fantasy Downside
Murray has missed most of camp and offseason workouts with an ankle injury. This, as he puts it, puts him “behind the 8-ball” in terms of learning the new offense. While he’s been activated off the PUP list, and should be ready when the season starts, falling behind means it will take longer to catch up.
2017 Bottom Line
Murray isn’t much more than a handcuff for Cook owners. He doesn’t carry a lot of independent value because his role is expected to be limited. If Cook ever gets hurt then Murray is worth adding to your lineup, but for now, he’s not worth much.
Wild Card Round at Houston
Latavius Murray had just 5 rush attempts for 11 yards and one reception for 14 additional yards in a 24-6 loss against the Broncos in Week 17. He hasn’t hit 18 touches in any of his last three games or scored a touchdown. The key for Murray this week is if he can get on track in the passing game — just five targets in his last four games. Houston ranks 28th at defending RBs out of the backfield per DVOA and one of the best matchups overall in regards to RB aFPA.
Week 17 at Denver
Latavius Murray had just 15 rush attempts for 40 yards in a 33-25 win against the Colts in Week 16. With volume and red zone opportunity mitigating his inefficiency, Murray has seen less competition than early in the season. He has enough touchdown equity and involvement in the passing game to be very effective. The volume has not been anywhere near last year, but Murray has seven touchdowns over his last seven games. Murray is a high-end RB3 against the Broncos, who grade out as an above average matchup in regards to RB aFPA.
Week 16 vs. Indianapolis
Latavius Murray had just 14 touches, but accumulated 92 total yards in a 19-16 win against the Chargers in Week 15. With volume and red-zone opportunity mitigating his inefficiency, he has seen less competition than early in the season. He has enough touchdown equity and involvement in the passing game to be very effective. The volume has not been anywhere near last year, but Murray has seven touchdowns over his last six games. Murray is a mid-range RB1 against the Colts, who grade out as an average matchup in regards to RB aFPA.
Week 15 at San Diego
Latavius Murray had 22 rush attempts for 103 yards and a touchdown in a 13-21 loss against the Chiefs in Week 14. With volume and red zone opportunity mitigating his inefficiency, he has seen less competition than early in the season. He has enough touchdown equity and involvement in the passing game to be very effective. The volume has not been anywhere near last year, but Murray has seven touchdowns over his last five games. Murray is a mid-range RB1 against the Chargers, who grade out as a below-average matchup in regards to RB aFPA.
