What to do with Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison in Week 4 fantasy football

The defense gets a lot of the blame for the Minnesota Vikings’ winless start to the season, but the offense deserves its share of criticism as well. And while it’s been miserable for fans, fantasy owners at least have running back Dalvin Cook to thank for remaining one of the better, more consistent starters. That should continue this week too, whether the Vikings snap their streak or not.

Fantasy Football analysis: Vikings RBs Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison

Cook is tied for the NFL lead in rushing touchdowns with four, so far. His 294 rushing yards are the third-best total in the league through three weeks. He’s been a reliable RB1 despite his team’s struggles. The fourth-year pro had huge game last week, racking up a career-high 181 yards to go with a touchdown and 18 more receiving yards.

Despite Cook’s dominant play, Alexander Mattison, his backup, has been able to see the field some this season, with 90 rushing yards and 33 receiving yards. But it’s not enough to make him someone you should be considering for fantasy purposes. The work just isn’t there as long as Cook is healthy.

This week, the Vikings draw the Houston Texans, a team that’s given up 502 rushing yards to running backs in three games, as well as 90 receiving yards. An opposing running back has crossed the goal line in every one of the Texans’ games so far this season too. Granted, those were three of the NFL’s best teams playing Houston so far, but the Vikings, giving how committed they are to the run, should still find plenty of work for Cook. And while he may not post career numbers again this week, he’s one of the best players at the position who belongs in fantasy lineups.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Dalvin Cook. Sit Alexander Mattison.