2022 Fantasy Upside
Alexander Mattison looks set for another season as Dalvin Cook's direct backup, and that position has had recent fantasy relevance due to Cook's propensity for picking up nagging injuries as he carries a massive workload for the Vikings. Mattison started four games last year and averaged over 26 touches per game in those weeks, showing himself to be a reliable RB1 whenever Cook is out. Cook isn't getting any younger and has never played a full NFL season, meaning it is very likely Mattison will start more games this year. Mattison remains one of the game's top "handcuff" backs and is a great source of upside for Zero-RB drafters looking for a lottery ticket.
2022 Fantasy Downside
Mattison will have no fantasy upside so long as Cook is fully healthy. In games where Cook was healthy last season, Mattison only received a handful of carries throughout the game as the quintessential "breather back" who gets just enough snaps to let the starter last the whole game. Mattison will not be playable in fantasy unless Cook suffers an injury. While Cook is likely to miss games at some point, there is no way to predict when that will be.
2022 Bottom Line
Mattison is most valuable to whoever drafts Cook and those who forego RBs in the early rounds in search of high-upside gambles in the later rounds of drafts. A player whose fantasy value depends so heavily on the health of another can only have so much fantasy appeal, but Mattison will likely contribute at some point and is one of the better gambles available later in drafts.
