Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook has been ruled out of Week 3 due to a hamstring injury, which makes Latavius Murray a must-start fantasy player this weekend.
Official: Vikings RB Dalvin Cook (hamstring) is out for Week 3.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 21, 2018
While this development is frustrating for Cook, the Vikings, and fantasy owners who’ve invested in the second-year back out of Florida State, it’s a big opportunity for Murray, and for those who’ve been smart enough to stash him on their bench.
That being said, as of this moment Murray is owned by just 38.6 percent of fantasy players on ESPN, meaning there’s a good chance he’s available for many of you out there looking for a strong play this weekend.
Last year, after Cook was lost for the season with an ACL injury, Murray was a reliable workhorse for the Vikings. He totaled 945 yards and eight touchdowns on 231 total touches in 12 games as the starter.
This Sunday, the matchup is very favorable for Murray to have a big game. The Vikings are hosting perhaps the worst team in the league, the Buffalo Bills. To this point, Buffalo has given up the 30th-most fantasy points to running backs in the NFL, and we expect Murray to feast late in the game as Minnesota likely will pull ahead early.