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

Sunday Update: Cook is off the injury report after dealing with groin pain an is expected to power Minnesota’s offense in Week 8. He’s projected to lead the Vikings with 18.87 fantasy points in ESPN leagues. He’s been one of the NFL’s most productive backs when healthy and should dominate the backfield touches after Mattison busted against the Falcons.

The Vikings Week 8 matchup against the Packers is a fun one as Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison look to help their team to victory. The key will be health for both RBs as they face a middle of the pack Packers defense.

Fantasy Football analysis: Vikings RBs Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison

Starting with Dalvin Cook, his coach Mike Zimmer says he should carry his regular work load, which is a lot. Now, is that the truth or are we looking at a decoy? For Cook, missing last week does help as he is better refreshed, but if he his not all there, you can’t bet on him. His last time out he had 17 caries, that was on October 11th. I don’t think he’ll get there this week, so he is not worth the squeeze.

With Mattison, you have a solid back, but his last time out he had only 10 carries. With the Vikings being a pretty bad team, it does not help his rushing chances. Playing from behind as they have most of the season does not bode well for running backs. Against a good Packers team and with questions about Cook’s health, I’d steer away from both of these backs.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Sit Mattison and Cook.