I would rather have Zeke than Dalvin in a startup draft

[jtk1234]

Zeke’s ADP is hovering around 60, Dalvin’s is 20 ish. I’ll concede that the days of Zeke being in the running for overall RB1 are long gone and Dalvin still has a chance to get there if he can stay relatively healthy, but I also think he’s a pretty safe bet to be a low end RB1/high end RB2 and Dalvin will almost certainly not give you a full season this year. The Vikings seem content with riding Dalvin into the ground, literally, meanwhile Zeke is getting the Mike McCarthy treatment, less carries but significant work in the passing game, that kept Aaron Jones solidly in the mid-RB1 mix, I also think Zeke gets to double digit TDs pretty easily. Give me some Zeke all day at his ADP over the overpriced and overworked Dalvin.

[Yarnith]

This would be the smart take. The Zeke downward spiral has hit its bottom. Zeke had a bad year and he faded down the stretch. We all saw it and it was obvious. Zeke also played from week 4 on with a torn PCL, finished as RB7 in PPR and didn't miss a game. Cook finished RB16 and missed 3 games and has never played more than 14 in a season... EVER. They are the same age and in no logical world should anyone want Cook over Zeke yet here we are.

[FantasyFreak]

This would be the smart take. The Zeke downward spiral has hit its bottom. Zeke had a bad year and he faded down the stretch. We all saw it and it was obvious. Zeke also played from week 4 on with a torn PCL, finished as RB7 in PPR and didn't miss a game. Cook finished RB16 and missed 3 games and has never played more than 14 in a season... EVER. They are the same age and in no logical world should anyone want Cook over Zeke yet here we are.

I wouldn't necessarily say that at straight up, it's all about projecting going forward, but at ADP, for sure. In a start up, taking Zeke at 60 instead of Dalvin at 20 would allow you a better player somewhere else.

[Yarnith]

This would be the smart take. The Zeke downward spiral has hit its bottom. Zeke had a bad year and he faded down the stretch. We all saw it and it was obvious. Zeke also played from week 4 on with a torn PCL, finished as RB7 in PPR and didn't miss a game. Cook finished RB16 and missed 3 games and has never played more than 14 in a season... EVER. They are the same age and in no logical world should anyone want Cook over Zeke yet here we are.

I wouldn't necessarily say that at straight up, it's all about projecting going forward, but at ADP, for sure. In a start up, taking Zeke at 60 instead of Dalvin at 20 would allow you a better player somewhere else.

Many wont say it straight up but why not? To date Cook is and has been an inferior fantasy back. Even when he has a statistical advantage his injury history makes it a wash at best. Zeke has been better and if anything this past year should make people feel even more confident he will continue to be better considering his "bad year" was significantly better than 25 other RB's.

[jtk1234]

This would be the smart take. The Zeke downward spiral has hit its bottom. Zeke had a bad year and he faded down the stretch. We all saw it and it was obvious. Zeke also played from week 4 on with a torn PCL, finished as RB7 in PPR and didn't miss a game. Cook finished RB16 and missed 3 games and has never played more than 14 in a season... EVER. They are the same age and in no logical world should anyone want Cook over Zeke yet here we are.

This is my exact sentiment, could Cook have a blow up season and make this statement look dumb? Sure, but he’s just as likely to have a clunker like last year hampered by injuries. The large variable in outcomes makes me want no part of him at that ADP, its too many fantasy eggs to put in one basket. Meanwhile, Zeke has missed 1 game EVER due to injury and he was actually a game time decision and probably would’ve played had it been a more important game (they had basically been statistically eliminated from playoff contention) and he’s also never had a finish below 13 which was a season that was shortened by suspension, so he’s basically a lock to be at least a high end RB2.

[abloom]

I have significant concerns about dalvin. The reality is that his shoulder injury is generally not something that ever heals. It just becomes easier and easier for it to pop out.

If we're talking adp yes I'd probably rather have Zeke and a late second rounder than dalvin and a early 7th startup wise.

I actually plan on starting to shop cook shortly in the one league I have him but at the same time I'm not going to be going after Zeke lol

[dynastyninja]

Purely on value, I agree. Zeke could maybe provide similar production and Dalvin is probably overvalued right now.

That said, Dalvin still looks good. Zeke looks like half the running back he used to be. He'll keep getting touches because Dallas paid him a lot and can still keep him in a committee, but the cliff has come for him it seems.

[Mjvb5]

In all honesty all of the 2017 backs(except CMC)+zeke+Chubb should be viewed incredibly similarly. They all are roughly the same age, have about the same window left, and should be viewed in a similar light. Some just have a narrative there washed (Zeke, Aaron Jones) others a have a huge fanbase pushing them up (Mixon/Cook).

CMC Id argue is the one exception because IF he gets back to form he is that much of an advantage and is slightly younger than the rest

[Ice]

I wouldn’t take either at their ADP at this point but Zeke has less risk.

Neither are very smart moves IMO.

[Jfever]

Haven't looked but is Zeke's points per game similar to Dalvin's?

[MEuRaH]

I think a lot of people see Cook as an explosive dual threat RB with sole control of the backfield, and Zeke looks slower, isn't known for his catching, and has Pollard behind him.

My guess as to why the ADPs are what they are, but you all make a good point.

[Gator Sens]

I view both as must sells, but I would rather go with Zeke at his current ADP because of the other assets you could get around Cook's ADP. I would much rather go with a younger asset where Cook is going.