Entering Week 5, Dalvin Cook is once again frustrating fantasy football managers as he carries the questionable tag coming out of practice Friday. For much of the week it appeared as though Cook would be active, but after he struggled last week, should you look to start or sit him against the Detroit Lions this week?
Update: Dalvin Cook is inactive for the Vikings’ Week 5 game against the Lions. Check out our thoughts on whether you should start or sit Alexander Mattison in Week 5.
Dalvin Cook struggled for fantasy managers last week
After a strong start to the season in which Cook averaged over 16 fantasy points per game (FPPG), the last two weeks have been frustrating for fantasy managers. First, Cook was ruled out in Week 3, but due to the late start, fantasy managers were left unsure exactly what to do. Then, in Week 4, he was active but clearly hampered as he struggled throughout the game.
Against the Browns, Cook could only muster 34 rushing yards on 9 carries. Additionally, after catching 8 of his 10 targets in the first two weeks, he only pulled in 2 of his 6 targets in Week 4. All of that resulted in just 5.4 fantasy points in half-PPR formats.
However, looking at the matchup, it should not have been a surprise that Cook might struggle. In the first three weeks, the Browns’ defense had allowed an average of 67 rushing yards per game. Even if he had all of those yards, Cook would have needed at least a touchdown to put up good numbers for fantasy.
It was not just Cook who struggled last week either. After impressing in Week 3 in Cook’s absence, Alexander Mattison could only manage 20 rushing yards on 10 carries. That would suggest that Cook’s performance in terms of yards per attempt was as much about the matchup itself as it was about Cook.
The matchup with the Lions appears significantly easier
The Vikings go from facing one of the best run defenses in the league to one of the worst. Detroit’s defense allows the fourth-most FPPG to the RB position this season at 29.73. The Lions allow an average of 111.5 rushing yards per game and a total of 9 touchdowns to the RB position.
They have at least managed to restrict RBs in the passing game to just 93 yards on 11 receptions from 12 targets. However, they gave up 3 receiving TDs to Aaron Jones in Week 2.
Should you start or sit Cook in Week 5?
Fantasy managers will understandably use caution with Cook in Week 5. He carried the same questionable tag into Week 4 and struggled while splitting carries with Mattison. However, the difference in the matchups between the last two weeks is stark.
The Browns were one of the best run defenses coming in, while the Lions have had their troubles. On average, Detroit allows around 112 yards per game to the RB position. Even if Cook and Mattison split touches evenly, there are still around 50-60 yards and a touchdown potentially available for each of them.
That return is more than enough if you start Cook. If Cook is active, there is limited reason to even consider him as a potential sit. At worst, he should match his touches from last week and do more on a per-carry basis.