Week 16 vs. Rams
Dalvin Cook is coming off a down week against the Bears where he finished as RB22, but he had three Top-12 finishes in three of his previous four games. He's an every-week RB1 given his high volume, regardless of matchup. Cook has high touchdown equity and looks like a good bet to find the endzone in this projected shootout.
The Rams rank 19th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game allowed to running backs, but they are giving up only 3.7 yards per carry, which ranks 2nd in the NFL. We could see another inefficient performance on the ground from Cook, but his volume and touchdown equity keep him in play as an RB1.
Week 15 at Bears
Dalvin Cook is coming off a monster game against the Steelers where he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 27 carries. He looked completely healthy and back to normal, so we can fire him up as a high-end RB1 in this spot. This projects as a positive game script with the Vikings as 3.5-point road favorites.
The Bears rank 15th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game, so they're a bit better in run defense. However, Cook is too good of a running back to worry about in this spot. Expect the Vikings to continue to lean on him in another must-win game with huge playoff implications.
Week 12 at 49ers
Dalvin Cook has provided solid production since returning from injury, finishing as RB12, RB7, and RB7 in his last three weeks. However, we haven't seen that massive ceiling game that we've grown accustomed to from Cook. This is because the Vikings' passing game has been so good this season. It's also due to some bad luck in touchdown output, as Cook has been vultured on numerous occasions this season.
Cook goes up against a 49ers defense that ranks 7th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs, so this is a tough matchup. This makes this game project as more of a floor week for Cook unless we see it turn into a shootout, which seems unlikely given San Francisco's slow pace on offense.
Week 11 vs. Packers
Dalvin Cook currently ranks fifth in expected fantasy points per game. Since returning from injury, he's finished as RB8, RB33, RB12, and RB7 in half-PPR formats. Cook takes on a Packers defense that ranks 13th in schedule-adjusted fantasy points per game to running backs, so it's not that easy of a matchup.
However, the Vikings should be able to remain competitive in this game as 2.5-point home underdogs. We could also see them lean on Cook, especially if Cousins struggles against this tough pass defense. Fire up Cook as an elite RB1 in this spot, as he has a chance for a spike week here.
Week 10 at Chargers
Dalvin Cook rushed 17 times for 110 yards against the Ravens last week. He also caught all three of his targets for 12 yards. We haven't gotten a ceiling game from Cook since Week 1, where he finished as RB6 in half-PPR formats. It might be time for one in a game that projects as one of the highest-scoring on the slate.
Cook is in an absolute smash spot against a Chargers defense that ranks 24th in aFPA to running backs. Los Angeles is 32nd in rush DVOA, allowing 4.86 yards per carry (32nd). It's likely that we'll see the Vikings attempt to exploit this weakness, especially since running the ball would help keep this prolific Chargers' passing game off the field. Cook is an elite RB1 in this spot.
Week 9 at Ravens
It's great to see that Dalvin Cook is back to his regular workload, totaling 51 opportunities in his last two games. While the results weren't there last week against Dallas, you have to love Cook's rest-of-season outlook now that he's back to full health. We need to consider him as an elite RB1 going forward.
Cook goes up against a Ravens defense that ranks 20th in aFPA to running backs, so this is a good matchup. It's also a great game environment as a potential shootout. It's unlikely that this Vikings defense will be able to slow down Lamar Jackson and company, which means that Minnesota will have to play at a fast pace to keep up. Cook has a good chance at a ceiling game this week.
Week 8 vs. Cowboys
Cook got back to his regular workload against the Panthers, rushing 29 times for 140 yards and a touchdown. Cook isn't even on the injury report this week, so it's wheels up for him for the rest of the season. Alexander Mattison only had three touches in the Panthers game, so he's back to his role as insurance for Cook.
Cook goes up against a Cowboys defense that ranks 11th in rush DVOA, but just got gashed by Damien Harris for 101 yards and a touchdown. They're now allowing 4.45 yards per carry, which ranks 22nd in the NFL. This is a terrific spot for a spike week in a favorable game environment that should see a ton of points.
Week 6 at Panthers
Cook is ready to return to the lineup. He was able to practice all week, which is a great sign for his potential workload against the Panthers. It's likely that we'll see Alexander Mattison return to a full-fledged backup role, even after his strong performance in Cook's absence.
Cook goes up against a Panthers defense that ranks 1st in aFPA to running backs and 12th in rush DVOA, so it's a bad spot here. Obviously, you're firing up Cook regardless of matchup, but there's a decent chance that this is more of a floor week for the star running back.
Week 5 vs. Lions
Cook returned to the lineup last week to a limited workload, playing only 49.25% of the snaps while getting only 15 opportunities (nine carries, six targets). It was clear that Cook was not 100 percent. Cook is a game-time decision for today. If he does suit up, it's likely that he will continue to have a limited workload.
That could be enough for Top-10 production against a Lions defense that ranks 32nd in aFPA and 30th in rush DVOA while giving up 4.69 yards per carry (25th). The Vikings are nine-point favorites, so this also projects as a positive game script. Cook would be in contention for RB1 overall this week if there were no injury concerns, but we still need to fire him up in the Top-6 in this spot.
Week 4 vs. Browns
Cook looks ready to return to action after practicing on Thursday. He's currently averaging 16.6 fantasy points per game (half-PPR), which ranks as RB6 on the season. Cook is averaging 25 touches per game, continuing to see monster usage that keeps him as a weekly RB1. We have to think that Cook will see a full workload since he's able to suit up. The Vikings likely would not throw him out there at a reduced volume.
Cook goes up against a Browns defense that ranks 6th in aFPA to running backs, which makes this a tough matchup. However, Cook's high volume, passing-game usage, and touchdown equity will help him overcome this challenge. You're firing him up each and every week, as he's virtually matchup-proof. He's a strong bet to find the endzone in this spot.
