Vikings (and fantasy) stud RB Dalvin Cook suffered a groin strain in Week 5 versus the Seahawks. Though he briefly returned to the field on Sunday night, Cook’s Week 6 availability is in serious doubt. This is doubly true with a Week 7 Bye looming for the Vikings, which would allow Cook to rest for close to full three weeks before returning.
Cook received an MRI Monday, and the results were largely positive. In fact, HC Mike Zimmer suggested Cook may even be available based on his practices this week.
Ultimately, Zimmer has a history of downplaying injuries. Groin injuries typically take 2-6 weeks to properly heal. Given the franchise’s massive investment in Cook, and the chance to allow proper rest, fantasy owners should still expect Cook to sit out a dreamboat Week 6 date with the Falcons:
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Dalvin Cook isn’t expected to play this Sunday against the Falcons after suffering an adductor strain, according to a source. The Vikings have a bye next week, then will re-evaluate if Cook is ready to return after that.
— Chad Graff (@ChadGraff) October 13, 2020
Especially with a highly-capable Alexander Mattison ready to enter this smash spot.
Filling in for the injured Cook, Mattison gashed the Seahawks for 136 total yards on 22 touches. He was a chunk-play machine, knifing through the defense for a routinely for 5+ yards while popping some big ones.
Happy Alexander Mattison week everybody pic.twitter.com/xZD0hqKIro
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) October 13, 2020
Within Gary Kubiak‘s masterful zone scheme, Mattison routinely displays the patience to allow holes to develop, and the instincts to press the cutback. He runs through arm tackles and can eat as a receiver too.
Mattison appears to be far more comfortable as a sophomore, too, displaying a natural glide rather than some forced, jerky movements he often displayed as a rookie.
Most importantly: the team trusts Mattison as a true every-down bell-cow. He played 43 snaps compared to just five for Mike Boone. He should again eat near-100% of the snaps and touches in Week 6.
Best of all? This volume will come against the pathetic Falcons. Atlanta has surrendered the most receptions (43), receiving yards (317) and TDs (4) to RBs, in addition to being bashed for 30+ points in 4/5 contests.
Mattison is only 41% owned, and this figure needs to be closer to 100% if only for this one-week stream. He should be a quality RB1, with upside for continued dominance if Cook’s injury lingers. Depending on your RB-neediness and overall desperation entering Week 6, Mattison is worth a Top-3 Waiver Wire Bid and roughly 20% of FAAB budgets.
Even when Cook returns, expect Mattison to carve out ~10-12 weekly touches in an effort to preserve the stud starter. This could come in useful for Bye Week plug-ins, and make Mattison the ultimate “handcuff-with-benefits” in fantasy.
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