What to do with Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison in Week 8 fantasy football

The Minnesota Vikings host Washington on Thursday Night Football to kick off Week 8, and it should be a romp. Washington’s defense could surprise us, but unless it somehow rains INSIDE the Vikings covered stadium, it’s a good bet this ends poorly for the doormat Washington squad.

That bodes exceedingly well for Vikings fantasy football owners. Minnesota’s offense is on a roll, with running back Dalvin Cook on a particular roll. He is coming off a Week 7 performance in which he rushed for 142 yards and scored two touchdowns against a solid Detroit Lions defense.

Cook’s backup, Alexander Mattison, had only seven carries for 18 yards, and has been up and down all season. He has one game with double digit fantasy points, but five games with at least seven rushing attempts — suggesting opportunities could be there for the taking.

Fantasy football analysis, Vikings RBs Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison

Cook is a must start when healthy, regardless of opponent. The bigger question is what to do with Mattison. He’s generally a bench option, but some folks that play in deeper leagues have to consider backup running backs to fill out their rosters.

Mattison has limited value when Cook is healthy, but Washington is an intriguing possibility if the game script goes the right way. Washington gives up the tenth most fantasy points to running backs and if the this turns into a blowout, Mattison could get plenty of garbage time work. He’s not worth a start outside the deepest of leagues, but it would not surprise me if he ended up with a solid fantasy showing.

Start/Sit Recommendation

Dalvin Cook: Start
Alexander Mattison: Sit