Vikings receive a boost on offense ahead of Broncos matchup
The Minnesota Vikings (6-4) are doing everything they can to push through what has already been a very eventful season and they're going to need all hands on deck in order to do so.Fortunately for them, starting running back Alexander Mattison is expected to play during Sunday night's crucial matchup with the Denver Broncos (4-5). […]
The Minnesota Vikings (6-4) are doing everything they can to push through what has already been a very eventful season and they're going to need all hands on deck in order to do so.
Fortunately for them, starting running back Alexander Mattison is expected to play during Sunday night's crucial matchup with the Denver Broncos (4-5). NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported as much late Saturday night.
Mattison left Week 10's matchup against the New Orleans Saints with a concussion, but made a quick recovery. He currently leads the team with 430 rushing yards on 130 carries, good for 3.5 yards per carry. Backup running back, Ty Chandler, ran for a career-high 45-yards and scored his first career NFL touchdown in Mattison's stead last week.
The Broncos defense continues to struggle when it comes to stopping opposing rushing attacks. Vance Joseph's unit has allowed an average of 130.3 rushing yards per game over the last three contests, which is 10th-worst. Overall, the Broncos have the NFL's worst run defense, giving up 158.3 yards per game.
Ever since Josh Dobbs became quarterback, the Vikings' ground game has come to life. The team has ran for 271-yards and three touchdowns over the last two weeks, which outpaces the previous two-game high of 265 rushing yards.
As a whole, the Vikings' rushing attack had just one rushing touchdown coming into Week 9. That's how subpar it was.
Sure, Dobbs has accounted for 110 of those yards and two of the three touchdowns, but it doesn't matter. It's clear his presence has been a boon for the ground game and it's helped the offense hang a season-high 31 points against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9 and a combined, season-high 58 points over the last two weeks.
It'll be fun to see if Dobbs and co. can continue the Hollywood-like story we've all grown to love. Don't rule out the Vikings, defense, either. Brian Flores' unit is starting to hum and the results are showing. In all, Sunday's night matchup should be a very fun one.
