Week 9 Outlook
Availability
The 3rd-year RB from UTEP found the end zone on one-yard scamper following a 62-yard punt return by Stefon Diggs. The score came with four minutes left in the third quarter.
Fantasy Impact
Banyard added one of two touchdowns on the night as he finished with seven carries for 22 yards and a reception for three yards. He added 150 yards last season (88 rushing, 62 receiving) after appearing in just one game as a rookie in 2013. Banyard is well behind in the pecking order at RB with Adrian Peterson, Jerick McKinnon and Matt Asiata planted ahead of him.
Banyard had two carries for two yards in Sunday's loss to the Lions.
Fantasy Impact
He's only on the active roster because Jerick McKinnon (back) is out for the season. Banyard will likely be on another team's practice squad after the season if not Minnesota's.
Banyard added one carry for nine yards and a catch for 12 yards in Sunday's win over the Jets.
Fantasy Impact
He is the third RB on the Vikings depth chart behind Matt Asiata and Ben Tate. Right now Banyard simply isn't trusted in pass protection which is a big reason why he isn't seeing the field often. He could get more snaps with three games left with the Vikings season over.
Banyard served as the No. 3 RB with Matt Asiata starting and Ben Tate ahead of him. Banyard had two carries for eight yards in Sunday's 31-13 win over Carolina.
Fantasy Impact
Banyard isn't a fantasy option barring an injury to Asiata at this point. Jerick McKinnon could be back next week for a home meeting with the Jets to clear some things up in the Minnesota backfield.
Jerrick McKinnon is out of the Vikings game with the Panthers
Fantasy Impact
With McKinnon out, look for Banyard to get more carries for the Vikings. He has only had five carries all year and Ben Tate and Matt Asiata will also be a part of the running game plan for the Vikings, but Banyard is a total sleeper for the week. He can be obtained for little money in daily fantasy and is readily available in all leagues if you are in injury troubles for the last week of the fantasy season.
