The Minnesota Vikings immediately promoted Latavius Murray to their No. 1 running back when starting rookie rusher Dalvin Cook went down with a torn ACL in the third quarter of the team’s loss to the Detroit Lions. After entering the game, Murray carried the ball seven times for 21 yards. The former Oakland Raider has been used sparingly so far this season, rushing 14 times for 38 yards and catching two balls for 8 yards through the first four games. He has been recovering from offseason ankle surgery and says his ankle is still not 100 percent.
Fantasy football start/sit Week 5: What to do with Latavius Murray
The Vikings look to Murray to fill a big hole left by Dalvin Cook in the backfield. We break down the fantasy impact.
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The Vikings face their division rivals the Chicago Bears Monday night. Chicago plays well against the run. The Bears have held opposing running backs to 67 yards or fewer all season, but they have allowed at least one rushing touchdown in the first four weeks.
Fantasy impact: Murray is the hottest waiver pickup this week. The Vikings are a running football team, and Murray is expected to handle most of the early-down and goal-line snaps as the new feature back in Minnesota. Owners should not expect Cook numbers. Murray has had a rough recovery from ankle surgery and is not going to be as explosive. However, he will have a high volume of touches this game. For desperate owners and deep leagues, Murray is a smart play even with a tough matchup.
