Dalvin Cook, Minnesota Vikings

A second-round pick by the Minnesota Vikings back in 2017, Dalvin Cook is beyond the shadow of a doubt the most talented running back in the NFC North. However, he’s also injury-prone and looking for a new contract.

This past season, Cook set a career-high with 14 games played. Previously, he’d appeared in 11 games in 2018 and four games as a rookie. At this point, it seems unlikely he’ll ever play a full 16-game season, which caps his potential production. Cook’s unpredictable injuries also make it difficult to project his stat line for 2020.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported in early June that Cook won’t participate in team activities until he receives an extension. Does that mean the Vikings could open the 2020 season without Cook? Possibly, but holding out didn’t exactly work in Melvin Gordon’s favor last year.

The Vikings took a step back in the NFC North this offseason. The team’s defense suffered several significant blows, and Stefon Diggs finally found a way out of Minnesota. These losses only place more pressure on Cook and Minnesota’s running game.

With all of the uncertainty surrounding his contract and previous injuries, I’m predicting Cook takes a slight statistical step back in 2020.

Prediction for Cook in 2020: 234 attempts, 1,100 yards, ten touchdowns

Bonus: 50 receptions, 450 yards, three touchdowns