What to do with Alexander Mattison in Week 17 of the fantasy football playoffs

Game day update: With Dalvin Cook out, Alexander Mattison will play in Week 17 to take on the workload. Given the matchup against the worst defense in the league, he could be a league-winning asset to close out the regular season. He sits at a $6,100 salary on DraftKings — a bargain considering his opportunity.

The Minnesota Vikings will finish the season without fantasy football MVP Dalvin Cook. In his place, the team will lean on running back Alexander Mattison, who just cleared the concussion protocol on Friday, to handle the workload out of the backfield. He’s got a great fantasy matchup this week against a lifeless Detroit Lions team.

Fantasy Football analysis: Vikings RB Alexander Mattison

Mattison missed last week’s game because of his concussion, and he hasn’t seen much meaningful work since early November. But without Cook in the lineup, he’ll take over the lead role this week.

Mattison filled in for Cook earlier this season, back in Week 5 against the Seahawks. He rushed for 112 yards on just 20 carries in that one, catching three passes for another 24 yards. He had a decent game against Detroit back in Week 9 with 69 yards on 12 carries. (Cook had 202 rushing yards and a pair of touchdowns in that one.)

The Lions are giving up 4.6 yards per carry to opposing running backs this season, and they’ve let them score 18 times on the ground and eight times through the air.

Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start Alexander Mattison this week. He’s a good RB1 play. He’s also a steal in DraftKings at just $6,100.