Fansided

5 bold predictions for Minnesota Vikings in 2021

By Rucker Haringey

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 20: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the second half against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 20: Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws a pass during the second half against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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Vikings predictions, Dalvin Cook
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – DECEMBER 20: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings runs with the ball in the second quarter of the game against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 20, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

4. Dalvin Cook won’t reach 200 carries

Everything about Cook’s 2020 campaign makes him look like a prime candidate for regression this season. It’s particularly difficult to envision a scenario in which Cook manages to stay healthy long enough to carry the ball 312 times for a second consecutive season.

Cook hit that mark in just 14 games last year. It’s logical to expect him to miss even more time this season. The immense workload he carries last year is going to catch up with him at some point.

Bet on that happening somewhere around the midpoint of the 2021 season. The Vikings know they have zero margin for error if they want to crash the playoff party. That means they’re going to lean heavily on Cook right from the opening kickoff.

His body is going to break down just when the Vikings need him the most. The end result is that Cook won’t even hit the 200 carry mark despite the extra regular season game. Fantasy owners should stay away from drafting him in the first round. The Vikings will need to lean on another back to carry them for long stretches.

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