J.D. McKissic (RB, DET) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: Detroit’s backfield is a mess. I’m not going to lie to you here. They have featured more running backs than anyone in the league this year due mostly to injuries, but even with that, it’s become too random to predict. The last addition, Bo Scarbrough, just rushed the ball 18 times for 98 yards this weekend after carrying 14 times in Week 11 after being signed off the street. But prior to his arrival, J.D. McKissic looked like the go-to Lions tailback along Ty Johnson, with the former performing most of the pass-game duties.

Going back to Week 9, McKissic had his best game of the year: 72 yards from scrimmage on seven touches including a receiving touchdown. All in all, he reached 16.2 fantasy points. He followed that game with an 11.5-point performance and an 8.3-point one in Week 11, though he crashed down to the ground last weekend against Washington (20 yards total).

The reason I’d advise fantasy owners to get McKissic is mainly that Scarbrough appears to be becoming the leading rusher with Ty Johnson getting faded and McKissic holding onto his receiving duties. McKissic has been targeted six times in the last two games but is averaging almost four targets and 22.3 receiving yards since Detroit’s bye week. He can be considered an 8-to-10 point scorer on average but give the Lions usage of their tailbacks he might be in front of a massive game any given week.

Detroit is playing Jeff Driskel at QB and relying on the running game, but if Driskel is forced to look for safe passes McKissic would be one of his best options, boosting his fantasy upside. If only because he has a good matchup ahead against Chicago (18th against opposing RBs), McKissic should be a WW target this week if you’re playing in any deeper league. The Bears are below-average at defending rushers and they have allowed at least three receptions and 30-plus receiving yards to tailbacks in three of their last four games.