NFL Week 16 COVID update, odds changes: Vikings RB Dalvin Cook out, Saints-Dolphins spread flips as rookie Ian Book could start at QB for New Orleans

The NFL playoff races continue to be disrupted by the league's COVID surge, with the Minnesota Vikings the latest team to take a major hit. Running back Dalvin Cook has been placed in the league's health protocols and will miss Sunday's Week 16 NFL game against the Rams (1 p.m. ET).

The Vikings (7-7) took over the No. 7 seed in the NFC postseason race with their 17-9 win against the Bears on Monday Night Football. Now they face the 10-4 Rams without their top offensive weapon. 

The Rams are a three-point favorite in the latest Rams vs. Vikings odds from Caesars Sportsbook. (Check out our NFL picks page for predictions on all NFL Week 16 matchups).    

Cook was named to his third consecutive Pro Bowl on Thursday and leads the NFC with 1,067 rushing yards. He could return for Minnesota's matchup at Green Bay on Jan. 2.

Backup Alexander Mattison, who was activated off the COVID-19/reserve list Wednesday, is expected to start in Cook's place.

The New Orleans Saints also are 7-7 and battling for that final NFC Wild-Card spot. They could have to face the Miami Dolphins on Monday Night Football with their third-string quarterback as the starter. 

Taysom Hill and Trevor Siemian both entered COVID protocols Thursday, leaving the fourth-round pick out of Notre Dame in line to make his NFL debut.

The news caused the Saints to fall from a 3-point favorite to a 1.5-point underdog in the Saints vs. Dolphins odds from Caesars.

The team is expected to bring in a backup, with Book the only healthy option and running back Alvin Kamara the emergency quarterback behind him.

COVID outbreaks are affecting teams all over the NFL, and the league requires players to quarantine for 10 days following a positive test or produce two negative tests within a 24-hour period if they are vaccinated.

Among the other prominent players in COVID protocols are Buffalo receiver Cole Beasley (Dec. 21), Lions QB Jared Goff (Dec. 20), and Chargers RB Austin Ekeler (Dec. 22) and DE Joey Bosa (Dec. 20). 

Kansas City has been hit especially hard, losing more than half of its receiving yardage output with TE Travis Kelce and WR Tyreek Hill both place on the list Tuesday. They will miss Sunday's Chiefs vs. Steelers matchup if they are not cleared in time. 

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