Dalvin Cook Injury Update Boosts Alexander Mattison Fantasy Outlook in Week 5

The Minnesota Vikings were able to have starting running back Dalvin Cook on the field in Week 4, but that may not be the case in Week 5. The Pro Bowl ball-carrier is officially listed as questionable against the Detroit Lions and considered a game-time decision by head coach Mike Zimmer.

Cook is continuing to deal with an ankle injury and did not practice at all this past week. If he is unable to suit up, backup Alexander Mattison will be in line for the start. That obviously boosts his fantasy outlook given he finished as the RB7 during his most recent start in Week 3.

Alexander Mattison Fantasy Outlook

Cook saw a lessened workload in Week 4 and basically split carries with Mattison right down the middle (11-10). That means Mattison is likely to see double-digit touches whether Cook plays or not. Mattison racked up 171 total yards on 32 touches the last time Cook was inactive (Week 3).

The third-year back has also improved as a receiver hauling in 8 of 10 targets for 80 yards in 2021. That is already halfway towards his career-high mark of 125 receiving yards set last season. Keep in mind that Mattison also leads the entire Minnesota offense with 10 red zone looks this year.

Mattison draws a great matchup in Week 5 against a subpar Detroit defense. The Lions have posted the third-worst rush defense DVOA rating this season and are giving up the most PPR fantasy points to opposing RBs.

Simply put, Mattison has RB1 upside as long as Cook is ruled out before kickoff on Sunday. Go pick him up if he is somehow still available on the waiver wire.

SIGN UP AND GET AN INSTANT DEPOSIT BONUS UP TO 500! We'll match 20% of your first deposit on FanDuel Fantasy Sports. Max bonus $500

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.