According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, RB Dalvin Cook is expected to see more targets as the Minnesota Vikings offense becomes more pass friendly under head coach Kevin O’Connell, but Cook’s mindset remains the same of being a bell-cow running back regardless of his role.
Fantasy Impact: Early reports from the Vikings’ camp have discussed O’Connell’s more pass-oriented offense compared to that under Mike Zimmer’s regime. For example, WR Justin Jefferson talked about taking on the Cooper Kupp role, and Cook had been lining up out wide at receiver. According to Patra, these changes mean that Cook is “expected to see an uptick in his usage in the passing game,” which could even lead to more health. Over the last four seasons, Cook has scored 40 touchdowns but only played in 52 games, missing at least two games every season. Patra says that “Minnesota taking some of the pounding hits off Cook’s plate and supplementing that production with pass targets could help the bell cow stay healthy for a full season.” Regardless of how he is used, Cook says his mindset stays the same, stating that he takes pride in being a bell cow and adopting any opportunity that helps the team win games. Cook has an average draft position of RB6 in half-PPR formats, according to FantasyPros, and could be in a strong position to finish as an RB1 for the third time in four seasons.
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