Minnesota Vikings: 3 Bold predictions for Week 8 vs. Packers

3. Vikings will get Dalvin Cook back to lead ground game

The first prediction going into Week 8 is that Minnesota will get star running back Dalvin Cook back on the field after taking a few weeks off leading into the contest this Sunday against Green Bay.

Cook missed the Week 6 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons due to an adductor strain that he suffered in the second half of the game against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 5. The running back ended up missing the game leading into the Vikings’ bye week in Week 7, giving him a few weeks of rest to try and return in Week 8 and for the rest of the regular season.

Against the Packers on the road on Sunday afternoon, Cook will return to the offense and will lead that group with his legs out of the backfield.

Coming into the Week 8 matchup, Cook has been one of the top running backs in the NFL. He has managed to rush for a total of 489 yards and seven touchdowns on 92 carries in five games. During that span, he has also hauled in 12 catches for 64 yards in the passing game.

In the first game of the year against Green Bay in Week 1, Cook ran for a total of 50 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, adding one catch out of the backfield. Since that season-opening contest, Cook has seen his workload increase and he will be able to continue that trend upon his return this weekend on the road at Lambeau Field to try and lift the Vikings ground game.