Filtered by the Fan: Which Phase is Most Important for Vikings in Wild Card Matchup?

[Viktor]

The Vikings on Sunday should see the return of starting running back Dalvin Cook, who told reporters yesterday that he’ll be “ready to go” for the Wild Card matchup. The hope is that rookie Alexander Mattison also will be back in action after missing the final two games of the regular season with an ankle injury. Mike Boone has stepped up in a big way and demonstrated the depth that the Vikings have in their running backs room. This phase of the game also will hinge on the offensive line’s ability to move the ball against a New Orleans defensive line that is without DT Sheldon Rankins and DE Marcus Davenport.


Minnesota didn’t play its starters in the regular-season finale, so QB Kirk Cousins hasn’t played since Week 16, when the Vikings struggled to get their offense going against the Packers. Cousins has put up career numbers throughout much of the season but struggled in division matchups against Green Bay (Weeks 2 and 16) and at Chicago (Week 4). When things click in the passing game, though, watch out. The Vikings pass catchers are healthy and ready to go, and Sunday would be an opportune time for a big outing from Adam Thielen, who missed all or part of Weeks 7-14 with a hamstring injury.