Dalvin Cook is expected to return to the Vikings’ starting lineup today, barring any pregame warmup issues. So where does this leave elite RB handcuff Alexander Mattison for your fantasy football lineups?
Update 10/3/21: Dalvin Cook is active for Week 4. Mattison should play the role of backup to Cook but could still carry a significant workload against the Browns.
Alexander Mattison is a rare, elite RB handcuff
Ever since getting selected in the third round of the 2019 draft, Mattison has been a uniquely valuable fantasy commodity. Yes, he’s a talented back playing behind a stud RB in a solid offense. But that stud RB also hasn’t been able to stay on the field, with Cook missing at least two games his first four NFL seasons.
Cook is the birthday present you desperately want as a kid. Mattison is the present you don’t think you need — until it’s flying off store shelves, and you’re left holding an empty bag.
Should you start Alexander Mattison today?
Mattison remains a must-roster fantasy asset. But as long as Cook is starting, he’s nothing more than an RB5/6. This is even more apparent today against a tough Browns defense that’s limited opponents to 3.1 yards per carry on the ground — the fourth-stingiest figure in the league. In fact, opposing teams haven’t even tried to run much on Cleveland, averaging only 21.3 attempts per contest (fifth-fewest in the NFL).
If the Vikes were favored by a couple touchdowns, one could imagine a scenario where they jump out to a big lead by halftime and rest Cook, knowing Mattison could help keep the chains moving. But that’s not the case today. Game flow suggests a heavy dose of Cook on the ground and through the air, as well as sizable targets for one of the NFL’s most talented receiving corps.
Kirk Cousins is No. 2 in the league with 88 completions. He’ll need to keep throwing to keep up with the most potent Cleveland offense in more than a generation.
Mattison’s upside hinges on two factors: Cook’s re-injury potential and game flow. Neither are high-probability bets.
If you’re desperate for an RB dart throw . . .
If you are desperate for a No. 2 RB, particularly in deeper leagues where 10-plus-touch RBs aren’t available, there are more compelling options out there. For example, the Titans’ Jeremy McNichols could earn some fourth-quarter love in a plus matchup versus the Jets. Similarly, the Chiefs’ Darrel Williams has earned his team’s trust near the goal line. Williams offers cheap scoring potential against the Eagles.
You could also dig deep for Tony Jones, who earned 12 touches in the Saints’ Week 1 blowout over the Packers. Facing the undermanned Giants today, New Orleans could build enough of a lead to turn more of the reins over to Jones in the second half.
So hold onto Mattison. Treasure him. Keep him well-fed and happy. And be prepared to once again unleash him on the fantasy world later this season.