5 Bold Predictions: Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants – Week 16
By Chris Schad
Dalvin Cook will have over 100 yards rushing
The Giants are known as a tough, physical team, but when it comes to stopping the run this season, they’ve left a lot to be desired. New York’s 5.4 yards per carry allowed is the highest clip in the NFL, and they’ve had trouble closing off the edge to prevent runs to the outside.
This should be music to the ears of Dalvin Cook, who is coming off one of his best games of the season against the Colts. Cook’s 49 percent success rate ranks 27th among 40 qualifying running backs according to Football Outsiders, and one of the biggest reasons is that he looks for the big run instead of short, consistent gains.
That can be a problem for an offense that needs to sustain drives in order to control the clock and keep their defense off the field. But bouncing runs to the outside could prove to be fruitful to Cook as he looks for the big play.
A total of 100 yards on the ground sounds modest, but Cook has just two 100-yard games this season, with 111 yards in a Week 8 win over the Arizona Cardinals and a season-high 119 yards in a Week 10 win over the Buffalo Bills.
If Cook can top the century mark on Saturday, it should go a long way toward a victory.