Should I Drop Jerrick McKinnon? Fantasy Football Outlook

The Kansas City Chiefs suffered a narrow loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 1 but were able to bounce back last Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Chiefs have struggled to get dependable production from their playmakers, including running back Jerick McKinnon.

Is Jerick McKinnon worth starting in fantasy football? Can I drop Jerick McKinnon ahead of Week 3? It's time to answer these key questions.

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Is Jerick McKinnon A Fantasy Starter?

McKinnon has struggled out of the gate this season, generating negative two rushing yards and 34 receiving yards through two games. He has played roughly one-third of the Chiefs' snaps, which ranks behind Isiah Pacheco but ahead of Clyde Edwards-Helaire, as expected.

What made McKinnon phenomenal at the end of last season (22.1 FPPG from Weeks 14 to 18) was his role in then-Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy's offense. McKinnon was used as the top receiving back in an offense that loved to pass the ball. During that stretch from Week 14 through Week 18, McKinnon commanded 29 targets and scored a whopping seven receiving touchdowns.

McKinnon simply hasn't had the same role in 2023. In fact, he has fewer targets and receptions than Pacheco, which wasn't the case last year. It looks like fears that McKinnon's pass-catching role would weaken with Bieniemy's departure were justified. He can no longer be started in fantasy football.

Can I Drop Jerick McKinnon in Fantasy Football?

At this point, fantasy managers can drop McKinnon. Selecting him late in drafts was a great idea considering his strong finish in 2022, but the offense and McKinnon's role have adopted new identities, rendering the running back avoidable for fantasy purposes.

As injuries pile up at the running back position, managers would be wise to add someone with a clearer path to production, even if temporary. Kendre Miller, Matt Breida, Kareem Hunt, and Justice Hill are all appealing waiver wire additions who could be fine FLEX plays if everything falls their way.

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