The Viking Age
FanSided

5 bold predictions for the rest of the Vikings’ 2019 season

By Chris Schad

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 17: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings on the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 17: Dalvin Cook #33 of the Minnesota Vikings on the field before the game against the Denver Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) Dalvin Cook
(Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) Dalvin Cook /

Cook will win the rushing title

When the season began, many didn’t know what to expect from Dalvin Cook. When on the field, Cook was one of the most explosive backs in the NFL, but he dragged through two injury-plagued seasons that put his future in doubt.

Through 11 games, Cook has fulfilled his potential and has evolved into one of the best all-around running backs in the NFL. Although he held the lead in rushing yards throughout the season, he was surpassed by Cleveland’s Nick Chubb and Carolina’s Christian McCaffrey last week, leaving Cook 106 yards behind McCaffrey with five games to go.

That number seems like a steep hill to climb considering McCaffrey is Mr. Everything to the Carolina offense, but Cook has some great matchups that should help him close the gap.

While both Cook and McCaffrey will have to face the 11th ranked Seattle Seahawks rushing defense, Cook will have the benefit of facing two teams he’s already shredded once this season in a Week 13 matchup with the Detroit Lions (142 yards in Week 7) and a Week 16 game against the Green Bay Packers (154 yards in Week 2).

Mix in a Los Angeles Chargers defense that ranks 20th in the NFL in Week 15 and a Chicago Bears defense that has allowed 108 rushing yards per game since Akiem Hicks was placed on IR after Week 5 and there’s plenty of reason for Cook to make a comeback.

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