Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook didn't play in the final two games of the regular season and it paid big dividends against the New Orleans Saints. Cook dealt with a shoulder injury much of the second half of the season, but it didn't seem to have any impact.

Cook had 28 rushing attempts for 94 yards. He also caught three passes for 36 yards and finished the game with two total touchdowns. After the 26-20 overtime victory, Cook said the time paid off in a big way and he felt fresh.

“I think we found a rhythm pretty early,” Cook said, via the Pioneer Press. “I think our guys just came out ready to play. Once they’re ready to play and they’re locked in, I think our guys can get some movement, and they did that today.”

The Vikings offense looks a lot different when Cook isn't in the lineup. With Cook, it opens up the offense and Kirk Cousins usually has more weapons open downfield.

Cousins had nothing but praise after the game for Cook, talking about how lucky the Vikings were to have him on their team.

“He’s a special player, he’s been that way all year for us,” said Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousin via the Vikings team website. “He’s a great teammate and a great person … a great player and I’m lucky to play with him.”

The Vikings will play the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday, and if they want to pull off an upset it's probably going to take another big game from Cook.