Fantasy Football: 4 Takeaways From Preseason Week 2

Dalvin Cook Is Looking Like an Every-Down Back

Dalvin Cook put on a clinic on the Seattle Seahawks starting defense on Friday, making the Minnesota Vikings' offensive line woes look inconsequential.

Part of the reason for his success was his elusiveness, which is nothing new for Cook. He ranked second in Pro Football Focus' elusiveness rating metric among all draft-eligible backs this year. His slipperiness helped him finish the Week 2 preseason game with a rushing line of 7 carries for 40 yards against the Seahawks.

But that's only part of the reason we should be excited about him, especially those of us who play in PPR formats. Cook has caught five passes so far this preseason, including one on Friday.

Now that play didn't amount to much, but it did show that the Vikings -- at least in this game -- are open to keeping Cook in on third downs. Jerick McKinnon had 25 receptions over the final four weeks of 2016, and completion percentage king Sam Bradford has shown that he is very accurate throwing quick, short passes.

Cook is looking like an every-down back for the Vikings, and he could thrive in fantasy this year -- particularly PPR formats -- if he becomes Minnesota's preferred pass-game running back.