The Minnesota Vikings have made a change to their backfield, parting ways with fantasy football standout Dalvin Cook. As a result, there are now numerous questions that need to be addressed both in real football and in the world of fantasy football.
Although Dalvin Cook was always recognized as a dynamic player, he frequently suffered from nagging injuries that caused him to miss several games throughout his career. However, last year, Cook managed to overcome this obstacle and played in all of Minnesota’s games. So, is Cook really done, or does he have more left in the tank? Averaging over seventeen touches last season it would seem he still has some tread on those tires.
Fantasy Football Outlook For Minnesota Vikings Backfield
Teams Vouching for Dalvin Cook
Cook has been linked to many teams during the offseason, including Miami, Dallas, and the New York Jets. However, Chicago is a particularly interesting option for him because he would have the opportunity to play against his old team and start right away, which is appealing to fantasy owners. Additionally, playing alongside rising star Justin Fields would be exciting. Other teams like Miami, Dallas, and the New York Jets may not be as favorable for fantasy owners due to their already-established backfields.
It’s surprising to know that Alexander Mattison will only be 25 when the season starts. With Cook no longer on the team, Mattison has the opportunity to showcase his skills as a running back. He has performed well in previous games when he filled in for the injured Cook. These games were particularly notable:
· (2020, Week 13, 145 total yards and 2 scores)
· (2021, Week 12, 124 total yards and 1 score)
· (2021, Week 5, 153 total yards, and 1 score)
So, will Mattison be an every-down back for the Vikings? He has had a maximum of 166 touches in a season and has only missed four games due to injury, with two of them being due to illness. Therefore, his durability is not a significant issue.
Coach and Vikings Offense
Last year, Kevin O’Connell became the head coach of the Vikings, taking over for Mike Zimmer who had been relieved of his duties after eight seasons with the team. The Vikings seemed to be seeking a change from Zimmer’s tough coaching style, which led them to hire O’Connell. He brings a calm and confident energy to the team, and it’s evident that his coaching was effective since the offense finished in the top 10 last season. As a result of a top-10 finish the Vikings running backs saw one of the lowest rates (9%) when it comes to a stacked box from the opposing defense. This will bode well for Mattison’s fantasy value.
The Minnesota backfield has undergone changes for the upcoming 2023 season. Currently, Mattison appears to be a promising pick in the second or third rounds, while Cook may be considered in round five or six. It’s important to keep in mind that once Cook is picked up by a team, his rankings may shift. It’s recommended to consider drafting both players, as they are likely to have value in fantasy football for the 2023 season.
Main Photo: Matt Marton – USA Today Sports
