5 Bold Predictions: Vikings vs. Giants – 2022 Wild Card Round
By Chris Schad
Dalvin Cook will be the key to the Vikings offense
The Vikings are a pass-first team. Because of this, the matchups for Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, and Adam Thielen have been dissected as they get ready for the Giants. But as much as O’Connell wants to throw the ball around, it might be the running game that makes the difference.
The Giants allowed 5.2 yards per carry during the regular season against a questionable list of running backs. With Khalil Herbert, Dameon Pierce, and Zack Moss finding room to run against the defense, it could be the best way to neutralize their pass rush.
Enter Dalvin Cook.
Cook ran for 64 yards on 14 carries in the first meeting with the Giants and could have a key role on Sunday. His boom-or-bust running style led him to his fourth straight 1,000-yard season, but the Vikings will need a steady, consistent effort in order to control the ball against New York.