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5 Vikings playmakers the NY Giants must try and contain

By Reese Nasser

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 08: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Justin Jefferson #18 after a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 08: Adam Thielen #19 of the Minnesota Vikings celebrates with Justin Jefferson #18 after a touchdown in the first quarter of a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 08, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 24: Dalvin Cook #4 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 24: Dalvin Cook #4 of the Minnesota Vikings carries the ball against the New York Giants during the first half of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images) /

3. RB Dalvin Cook

On the ground, the Giants will need to contain Vikings running back Dalvin Cook. Cook has once again been the lead back out of the Vikings backfield. On the season, he has recorded 1,173 rushing yards and eight rushing touchdowns on 264 total carries. This marked the fourth straight +1,000 rushing-yard season of Cook’s career.

Cook has also been effective through the air. While being targeted 56 times, he hauled in 39 receptions for 295 receiving yards and two touchdowns. When these two sides faced off last time, the Giants managed to slow down Cook. He finished the game rushing for just 64 yards and zero touchdowns on 14 total carries.

Along with Cook, the Giants defense will also be forced to deal with running back Alexander Mattinson. While playing alongside Cook, Mattinson has once again put together a strong performance on a small workload. During the regular season, he recorded 283 rushing yards and five touchdowns on just 74 total carries. Through the air, he added 15 receptions for 81 receiving yards and one touchdown.

The backfield duo of Cook and Mattinson has given opposing defenses problems all season. But the Giants defensive front is loaded with talent, and they could stop them in their tracks.

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