5 Bold Predictions: Vikings vs. 49ers – NFC Divisional Round

Cook will get 30+ touches

It shouldn’t be a surprise that the Vikings are going to run their offense through Dalvin Cook and after the way he performed on Sunday, Minnesota proved they have no long-term worries about the shoulder injury that sabotaged his final month of the regular season.

Last week, Cook was the catalyst of the Vikings’ offense by collecting 31 touches and turning them into 130 yards (94 rushing) and two touchdowns. What’s more impressive about this performance is that the Saints knew Cook was going to get the ball early and often, but Cook spent most of his time creating yardage that wasn’t there, hence keeping the Vikings’ offense afloat.

While the Vikings will definitely need the passing attack to hold up their end of the bargain, offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski would be wise to ride the ground game again against a team that ranks 17th in rushing yardage allowed, but first against the pass, including second in passing yardage allowed to running backs.

The Vikings will mix in Alexander Mattison, but the keys will definitely belong to Cook. It may seem absurd, but if the Vikings control the game early, it’s possible that Cook will get everything he can handle and then some on Saturday.