4 keys to victory for the Vikings vs. the Jaguars in Week 13

Be cautious with Dalvin Cook

Dalvin Cook is the best offensive weapon on the Minnesota Vikings, of that there is little doubt. However, there might be an opportunity to take some of the load off their star running back against the Jaguars.

Although backup Alexander Mattison won’t be taking part, anyone rushing the ball would be able to generate yards against one of the NFL’s worst run defenses. Jacksonville is giving up an average of 136.2 yards-per-game on the ground and even though Cook will see this as a real opportunity to regain the advantage over Derrick Henry in the race for the rushing title, the Vikings need to air on the side of caution.

After all, Minnesota has far bigger challenges down the stretch than this one.

Cook’s injury suffered against the Panthers when he coughed up a fumble during a historic pair of plays from stud rookie Jeremy Chinn shows how precarious the situation is if the Pro Bowler was forced to miss any sort of time during the run-in.

Expect Cook to get his fill, as he always seems to do after enjoying yet another standout campaign. However, the Vikings are getting Adam Thielen back and might utilize the passing game a little bit more as they look to make a statement coming up against a team that has won just once in 11 tries this season.