Ty

Chandler

Phillips said he thinks the Vikings will have “a one-two punch” at running back this season, with Jones and Chandler both having a chance to make an impact. Chandler, the incumbent in the backfield, rushed 94 times for 419 yards and three touchdowns in the Vikings’ final eight regular season games while adding another 16 receptions for 116 scoreless yards. Jones, who the team acquired earlier this offseason following his release by the Packers, is the presumed RB1 but is entering his age-29 season and is coming off a year in which he was limited to 11 games due to hamstring injuries. Both backs bring a three-down skillset to the backfield and would have fringe RB1 upside if the other were ever to miss time. For now, it sounds like Chandler could have some stand-alone value, making him a potential smash in the later rounds of fantasy drafts.

The move makes sense for the running back-needy Vikings, who released Alexander Mattison this month. Jones, entering his age-30 season, will likely operate as the team’s lead back, with Ty Chandler perhaps chipping in as a pass catcher out of the backfield. Jones was an efficient rusher last year despite missing six games with hamstring injuries. Minnesota being one of the NFL’s pass heaviest teams could mean a glut of targets for the veteran back.

Chandler Wally Pipped Alexander Mattison late in the season when he turned a Week 15 start against the Bengals into a 23-132-1 outing. He would go on to serve as the Vikings’ RB1 for the remainder of the season and went on to total 278 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns during those final four weeks. Under contract through the 2025 season, Chandler is a cheap, versatile running back who could very well flirt with RB1 duties next season. Mattison is under contract through next season but was all but erased from the Vikings’ game plan down the stretch, leading us to believe the team will look to replace him in some capacity next offseason. Chandler is an interesting player to kick the tires on in dynasty leagues and he could turn into a late-round value in 2024 drafts.

Chandler did a lot of heavy lifting in the first half but was all but removed from the game plan after the break with the Vikings down by 20. The team also changed quarterbacks, switching from Jaren Hall to Nick Mullens to start the second half. Either way, Chandler still comfortably led the backfield in snap rate and opportunities as he out-touched Alexander Mattison 13-5.

Chandler punched in a short touchdown to salvage an otherwise forgettable fantasy outing. The good news is that he still out-carried Alexander Mattison 8-2. That confirms Kevin O’Connell’s comments from earlier in the week about Chandler being the lead back. Chandler was not targeted. Playing from behind for most of the game, Minnesota never got a chance to establish their ground game, keeping Chandler’s opportunities in check. He will fight the same uphill battle versus Green Bay in Week 17, but his role within the offense remains strong. Chandler will rank as an RB2 for the final round of most fantasy leagues.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell wouldn’t yet rule out Mattison for Sunday’s game; however, it seems like the plan is for Ty Chandler to lead the backfield regardless. “We’re kind of building with the mindset that Ty is going to be a guy we’re trying to get the ball to a lot, both in the run and the pass,” said O’Connell. “If we have Alex that’s going to be a huge bonus for the depth and making sure we have our full group available.” It seems like Mattison will be a back-up even if he’s healthy enough to play which means he’s not likely to be a fantasy asset for anybody in the playoffs.

Chandler and rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison stepped up for the Vikings, accounting for 268 of the team’s 424 total yards of offense. Backup running back Kene Nwangwu saw only one offensive touch, primarily utilized as the return man, leaving Chandler with immense value should Alexander Mattison miss another contest in Week 16.

Mattison didn’t practice this week, and the Vikings playing on Saturday instead of Sunday probably killed any remote shot he had of suiting up. In his place will step Ty Chandler, who should be something of a three-down player who cedes a few snaps/touches to special teamer backup Kene Nwangwu. The Vikings are making yet another change at quarterback, depressing their overall offensive environment, but Chandler should at least reach an RB2 level of touches vs. a similarly-undermanned Bengals team. He can certainly be fired up for the fantasy semifinals. Chandler should be considered questionable for Week 16 against the Lions.

Chandler will be a priority waiver addition this week after Alexander Mattison injured his ankle against Vegas. Chandler would likely take on something close to a three-down role if Mattison were to miss time. Chandler has struggled as a rusher, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt in 13 games this season. He’ll have PPR appeal with Nick Mullens under center for Minnesota.

A Raiders defenders rolled up on Mattison’s right ankle and he appeared to be in extreme discomfort on the sideline. Mattison did not return to the game and could miss game action. Ty Chandler would presumably work as the team’s lead back if Mattison misses Week 15 against the Bengals. Chandler would be a top-24 option in such a scenario.