NFL MVP stock watch: Russell Wilson and Patrick Mahomes 1-2
By Dustin Baker
5. Dalvin Cook, RB (Minnesota Vikings)
Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking of Season: Unranked
2020 Stats: 122 Rushes, 652 Rushing Yards, 10 Rushing TDs, 5.3 Yards/Carry, 14 Receptions, 127 Receiving Yards, 1 TD
Dalvin Cook’s problem is that the Vikings encountered the red-meat of their schedule early on. As a result, the Viking are 2-5 and have an uphill battle to fight for the NFC’s final playoff spot. Minnesota’s upcoming schedule does look happier, for their sake. On the docket are Detroit, Chicago, Dallas, and Carolina for the remainder of November. If the team plays as it did vs. Green Bay, the Vikings could be around .500 in 30 days.
Minnesota’s prolific halfback, Cook, is on pace to rush for 1,630 yards and score a total of 28 touchdowns. It’s obscene — especially as Cook missed a game to injury.
The Vikings are a formidable team when the offense runs through Cook. When he is minimized or hurt, Minnesota becomes very milquetoast. Cook scored four touchdowns in Week 8 at Green Bay, something a Vikings player had not accomplished since 1979. Cook also leads the NFL in touchdowns with 11. The next closest man has three scores (Derrick Henry, Tyreek Hill, and Todd Gurley all have eight touchdowns).
To remain on this list, though, the Vikings must continue winning.