Fantasy football managers everywhere are rejoicing over the return of Dalvin Cook following last week’s absence due to a sprained ankle. There’s no question as to whether Cook should return to fantasy lineups, but will he see the same usage given Alexander Mattison’s quality performance in his stead?
Dalvin Cook remains the Vikings’ RB1
The good news for Cook managers is we’ve seen this before. In Week 6 of the 2020 season, Cook was inactive. Mattison was the lead back, handling 10 carries (the Vikings were blown out by the Falcons and had to abandon the run relatively early). The very next game, Cook returned and carried the ball 30 times.
In Week 17, Cook was also absent. Mattison was stellar, carrying the ball 21 times for 95 yards while adding 3 receptions for 50 yards. Yet, in the 2021 season opener, it was all Cook, limiting Mattison to just 9 snaps.
Although Cook is the RB1, Alexander Mattison earned more work
This week, expect Cook to handle the majority of the snaps and touches. However, fantasy managers should not expect the 71% and 77% snap shares Cook respectively saw in Weeks 1 and 2 to suddenly return.
Mattison was absolutely dominant in his two starts, posting 171 yards on 32 touches in Week 3 and 153 yards on 32 touches in Week 5. Cook isn’t on the injury report after practicing fully on Friday, but there’s no way he’s 100%. It would be foolish for Mike Zimmer to force-feed Cook 20+ touches. The reality is there’s no discernable difference in productivity between Cook and Mattison.
The Panthers are easily Cook’s toughest matchup of the season
The Panthers have been the best defense at limiting fantasy points to running backs through the first five weeks of this season. Opposing rushers are averaging just 12.92 PPR points per game against the Panthers. To be fair, Carolina did open the season against the Jets, Saints, and Texans. Two of those three clubs don’t have much of a run game. Nevertheless, the Panthers did hold Alvin Kamara to just 5 rushing yards on 8 carries.
Cook and Mattison should still be able to thrive
Although the Panthers are the toughest run defense from a fantasy perspective, they are not without vulnerability. Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard combined for 210 rushing yards on 30 carries in Week 4. Cook and Mattison more closely resemble them than any other RB duo the Panthers have faced.
Should fantasy managers be confident starting Cook?
It goes without saying that an active Cook belongs in fantasy lineups regardless of any usage concerns. While fantasy managers should be confident starting Cook, they should not expect the same level of production we’ve become accustomed to from the elite RB1.
It’s also noteworthy that the Vikings are on bye in Week 7. As a result, it’s possible Minnesota takes it easy on Cook so as to not overwork him. That would set him up to get back to 100% following extended rest.
Regardless of how the Vikings handle it, Cook should do enough to at least be an RB2. Fantasy managers should just prepare themselves for a little bit more of Mattison than we’ve seen in the past when both backs are active.