NFL MVP stock watch: Top 3 Stay Put
By Dustin Baker
5. Dalvin Cook, RB (Minnesota Vikings)
Last Week’s Ranking: Unranked
Highest Ranking of Season: 5th
2020 Stats: 251 Rushes, 1,250 Rushing Yards, 13 Rushing TDs, 5.0 Yards/Carry, 43 Receptions, 314 Receiving Yards, 1 TD
Dalvin Cook’s personal numbers have been worthy of MVP consideration for the majority of the season. However, the Minnesota Vikings bumbled to a 1-5 start to the season, so Cook was effectively disqualified from most MVP talks.
With Russell Wilson’s probably-temporary exodus from the conversation, Cook gets a look. Since the Vikings bye in Week 7, Minnesota has been the NFC’s second-best team via wins and losses. Cook’s teammate, Kirk Cousins, has a lot to do with the team’s revitalization, but Cook is the engine to the Vikings offense.
The 25-year-old leads the NFL in yards from scrimmage and touchdowns. That is MVP stuff. Now, the Vikings are NFC’s No. 7 seed for the time being. The team travels to Tampa Bay to face a Tom Brady-led squad that has lost two straight games and just took advantage of a bye week.
It will not be an easy test for the rejuvenated Vikings.