NFL MVP stock watch: Top 3 Stay Put

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 06: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings gets the first down on the 1-yard line as Joe Schobert #47 of the Jacksonville Jaguars defends in the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 06, 2020, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

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.

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