3. Alexander Mattison, Minnesota Vikings
Dalvin Cook exited Week 3 against the Detroit Lions with a dislocated shoulder, which is a recurring issue with a troublesome joint as he has an unrepaired torn labrum in that shoulder. He may wear a harness again, and that’s the reported plan for Week 4 against the New Orleans Saints.
Cook’s injury history makes Mattison one the top handcuffs in fantasy football. He started four games in Cook’s place last season–here are his stats and fantasy finishes (0.5-point PPR) in those games.
Week 3 at Seahawks: 26 carries for 112 yards, six receptions for 59 yards; RB7
Week 5 vs. Lions: 25 carries for 113 yards, seven receptions for 40 yards; RB9
Week 13 at Lions: 22 carries for 90 yards, three receptions for 34 yards; RB5
Week 16 vs. Rams: 13 carries for 41 yards, 1 TD, three catches for 29 yards; RB13
Mattison has seven carries for 28 yards and a touchdown along with a 16-yard reception in Cook’s absence against the Lions. Cook seems likely to be limited in Week 4 (and/or until further notice), with sure-fire risk for re-injury at any point.
Mattison has a wide range of weekly outcomes if Cook is in uniform. But he’s now closer to a lead role than he was a week ago, and Cook has never been a picture of durability. In the final year of his contract, there’s also a faint chance he gets traded into a clear lead role elsewhere before the deadline.
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