5 Bold Predictions: Vikings vs. Chargers – Week 15
By Chris Schad
Boone will have a big role in the rushing attack
One of the biggest keys to the Vikings offense this season has been the revival of the running game. Dalvin Cook has played a big role in this, but so has backup running back Alexander Mattison after exceeding expectations coming out of Boise State. This 1-2 punch could hit a snag this week, however, as Mattison has been ruled out for Sunday’s matchup.
With Cook nursing a chest injury of his own, it’s unlikely that Minnesota going to give him 30 carries against the Chargers this week. This could mean we see a lot more of third-string running back Mike Boone on Sunday.
Mattison has been great, but Boone can be an explosive complement similar to Cook as well. After producing at 4.8 yards per carry in the preseason this past August, Boone hasn’t had the chance to do the same in the regular season. But this has been more about who is in front of him on the depth chart.
Although Cook is probably going to have a major impact against the Chargers this week, Boone should have a role and he could have a performance that shows why the Vikings have been so high on him during the past couple of seasons.