Under new Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell, the 37-year-old has been installing an offense that the franchise hopes will elevate a unit that has been just above average in recent years. "We had an old-style offense last year," Jefferson said. "It's 2022. You get into a new age and move to a new generation. Adding new things to the offense definitely allows us to be more comfortable with the offense and work in different areas of the fields." Jefferson expects more looks with three-plus receivers or extra tight ends, which could help free running back Dalvin Cook, who has rushed for at least 1,000 yards in each of the last three seasons. Minnesota's offense is also expected to spread the field more and become "less predictable," which should be good news for all involved parties.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook has been lining up in bunch wide receiver sets in multiple formations during the team's organized team activities, The Athletic's Chad Graff reported on Tuesday, May 17.

Fantasy Spin: Cook is normally very involved in the passing game, but lining up at wide receiver would be a new wrinkle. Cook is an elite RB1 in all formats no matter where he catches passes from.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook could be more involved in the passing game this year, as he lined up in bunch wide receiver sets during organized team activities. "I don't want to just sit up here and tell y'all everything," Cook said. "We've got Green Bay Week 1, so we're gonna wait and see." It could just be something the new coaching staff is tinkering with, or it could be something the Vikings plan on unveiling in a bigger fashion come the regular season. The 26-year-old could be facing a suspension this year, but when he's available, he should be a no-doubt RB1 with even more appeal for fantasy managers in an offense that should be trending more towards the pass under new head coach Kevin O'Connell.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings RBs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison could see a bit of a drop in rushing attempts but more work in the passing game under new head coach Kevin O'Connell and offensive coordinator Wes Phillips, according to comments made by the latter recently. 'You're going to play some teams who, scheme-wise, they make it very difficult to run based on their personnel and their scheme. A guy that comes to mind is (Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator) Todd Bowles. ... They're daring you to throw it a lot of times, and sometimes that's what you've got to do to win the game. So the running game is certainly important, and you always feel better about staying on track, not being in second and longs, third and longs where more of your playbook is available. So yes, the run game is critical, but in the end, it's about winning the football game,' Phillips told Will Ragatz of SI.com.

Fantasy Spin: Cook is unlikely to see much of a decline in his usual touches barring injury, as it seems likely he will push for 50 catches in O'Connell's offense. Given his history with injuries, getting Cook more work in the passing game and less work in between the tackles seems like a good idea. The Florida State product will turn 27 in August, meaning he may have only one or two prime years left. That is more of a concern for dynasty managers. In redraft, Cook should remain a top-five option in 2022. Mattison should remain one of the best handcuffs in fantasy.

From TheHuddle

The Minnesota Vikings are interviewing Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver coach Chris Beatty for the team's offensive coordinator job. The 48-year-old will be the second candidate to be interviewed after Los Angeles Rams running back coach Thomas Brown was interviewed last Friday. If hired, Beatty would be new head coach Kevin O'Connell's top offensive assistant and work with an explosive Vikings offense, including stars running back Dalvin Cook and wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Stay tuned.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins went 14-for-22 for 250 yards and three touchdowns against the Chicago Bears in Week 18. RB Dalvin Cook rushed for 79 yards on 14 carries and caught one pass for three yards. WR Justin Jefferson caught five passes for 107 yards and one touchdown on seven targets. WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette caught three passes for 103 yards and one touchdown on three targets, while WR K.J. Osborn caught one pass for 21 yards and one touchdown on four targets during the game.

From TheHuddle

Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook had his worst performance of 2021 in a Week 17 loss to the Green Bay Packers that eliminated them from playoff contention. Cook had a season-low 13 rushing yards and netted zero yards from his three receptions. In a game without Kirk Cousins, Minnesota was hoping to lean heavily on Cook and the running game. But after falling behind 20-3 at halftime, the Vikings were forced to throw the ball with backup Sean Mannion with predictable results. With nothing to play for in Week 18, Minnesota may look to rest Cook against the Chicago Bears.

From RotoBaller

Minnesota Vikings RB Dalvin Cook carried the ball nine times for 13 yards against the Green Bay Packers in Week 17. He also caught three passes for zero yards.

Fantasy Spin: There was some belief that Cook could run wild on the Packers after he amassed 226 yards and 4 TDs in his last trip to Lambeau in a game where Kirk Cousins threw just 14 passes, but he never found any room to operate, managing 1.1 yards per touch. Given the number of miles he's piled up you have to wonder how much he'll play in a meaningless Week 18. Keep an eye out for updates on Minnesota's plans for Cook this Sunday.

From TheHuddle