5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. Detroit Lions – Week 13
By Chris Schad
Nwangwu will have five or more offensive touches
Despite Mike Zimmer’s belief that Dalvin Cook is day-to-day, it’s unlikely he will suit up for Sunday’s matchup. That leaves the tandem of Alexander Mattison and Kene Nwangwu to take control over the backfield.
Mattison has performed well in Cook’s absence this season and had 153 total yards in Week 4’s victory over Detroit. But 48 of those yards came on one play and with a career-low 3.5 yards per carry, he doesn’t have the explosiveness to make defenses keep their eyes in the backfield.
Enter Nwangwu.
The fourth-round pick has dazzled on special teams including his second kickoff return touchdown last week. With a 4.32 second time in the 40-yard dash, some fans have questioned why Nwangwu hasn’t gotten more snaps on offense. That could change in the wake of Cook’s injury.
With Zimmer telling reporters that he’s looking for more ways to get Nwangwu involved, there’s a good chance he’ll be on the field for just more than special teams.