Chandler will open the season as the No. 2 running back for the Vikings, and he's worth drafting as a sleeper with a late-round pick in all leagues. Aaron Jones will open the year as the starter in Minnesota, but the 29-year-old struggled to stay healthy in 2023 with the Packers. Chandler started last season as the backup to Alexander Mattison, but Chandler looked like the best running back in Minnesota to close the season. He finished the year with six games with double digits in touches, and Chandler averaged 12.9 PPR points in those outings. We'll see how Kevin O'Connell plans to use Jones and Chandler in tandem, but don't be surprised if Chandler ends up as the more valuable Vikings running back, especially at a reduced cost.
Vikings' Ty Chandler: Solid complementary role in win
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Chandler rushed eight times for 17 yards and brought in all three targets for 25 yards in the Vikings' 28-6 win over the Giants on Sunday.
Chandler had a robust No. 2 role behind Aaron Jones, seeing only six fewer carries than his new backfield mate and drawing one additional target. The third-year back could remain similarly involved as the season unfolds, considering Jones' veteran status and the goal of keeping him healthy throughout the campaign. Chandler could continue to have some utility in deeper PPR leagues in Week 2, as Minnesota will welcome a 49ers team that could help generate a game script in which the Vikings are trailing in the second half and therefore afford the versatile back plenty of snaps.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Wins kick return job
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Chandler will serve as Minnesota's primary kick returner in addition to working as the backup running back behind Aaron Jones, Mark Craig of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.
He'll replace Kene Nwangwu in the role after Nwangwu was released last week. Brandon Powell will be the second deep man on kickoffs. Chandler should have added value in leagues that value kick return yards.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Looks sharp in preseason debut
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Chandler had seven carries for 33 yards in Saturday's preseason win over Las Vegas.
Chandler started due to Aaron Jones sitting out of the game and looked sharp on several runs, including a 16-yard gain. He's locked in as the backup to Jones and could get significant touches if the Vikings try to manage Jones' workload to keep him healthy.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Looking good at minicamp
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Vikings DT Harrison Phillips said Thursday that he'd "buy stock in Chandler if I could," Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.
It sounds like Chandler made a strong impression at spring practices, perhaps increasing his chances to have a key role off the bench behind new starting running back Aaron Jones. Chandler mostly played special teams throughout the first half of last season, but he eventually became the No. 2 running back and later started the final four weeks, averaging 11.8 carries for 52.4 yards (4.5 YPC) and 2.0 catches for 14.5 yards over the final eight games of the season (with three TDs). That makes him a clear favorite for the No. 2 RB job ahead of Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride, though it isn't clear how many snaps and touches the role will entail. Jones' history of injuries -- namely five MCL sprains since entering the NFL -- suggests Chandler has a good chance to make starts this season if the Vikings don't add a more experienced backup before Week 1.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Slides into backup role
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Chandler is poised to back up Aaron Jones, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Chandler briefly stood atop Minnesota's depth chart following the release of Alexander Mattison, but the addition of a veteran with true three-down capabilities in Jones likely returns him to a complementary role. That said, the 29-year-old Jones has battled injuries in recent years, playing just 11 games in 2023, while Chandler flashed some upside in limited opportunities last season while averaging 4.5 YPC. He remains an interesting stash for fantasy purposes, though the Vikings could also add further depth to their backfield in free agency or the draft.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Top running back for now
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Chandler is projected to serve as the Vikings' top running back after Alexander Mattison was released Thursday, Dane Mizutani of the St. Paul Pioneer Press reports.
Mattison accounted for 180 carries in 2023, while Chandler played a complementary role with 102. Chandler showed flashes of brilliance with the ball in his hands, tallying three rushes of over 20 yards while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. For now, it appears that Chandler will be set for a bigger role in 2024, though the Vikings will almost certainly add to their backfield either through the draft or free agency.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Strong finish to season
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Chandler rushed 12 times for 69 yards and brought in two of three targets for 20 yards in the Vikings' 30-20 loss to the Lions on Sunday.
Chandler found a way to be productive against one of the league's toughest run defenses, comfortably pacing the Vikings' ground attack in carries and rushing yards while also filling a modest role in the passing game. The second-year back was clearly the more effective between him and backfield mate Alexander Mattison on multiple occasions down the stretch, recording at least Sunday's rushing total in three of the last eight contests while averaging at least 4.0 yards per carry on four occasions in that sample. Chandler's 4.5 yards per carry on 102 rush attempts and 7.6 yards per catch on his 21 receptions underscore his efficiency, and he should have a chance to make a case for a significant role once again in training camp next summer.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Sleeper RBs
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Even with Alexander Mattison back in Week 16 against Detroit following a one-game absence with an ankle injury, Chandler still played 65 percent of the snaps compared to just 9 percent for Mattison. Now, Chandler struggled against the Lions with eight carries for 17 yards and a touchdown and no catches, but he should rebound this week against Green Bay. The Packers have allowed a running back to score at least 12.1 PPR points in five games in a row, with six total touchdowns over that span, and Chandler should be considered a flex option in all leagues.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: RBs to Sit
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Chandler had a huge game in Week 15 at Cincinnati with 24.7 PPR points, and Alexander Mattison was out for that contest with an ankle injury. Mattison has since returned, even in a limited role, but Chandler has struggled with a combined 17.1 PPR points against Detroit and Green Bay. He scored a touchdown against the Lions in Week 16, but he finished with eight carries for 17 yards and no catches at home. Detroit is No. 1 in fewest Fantasy points allowed to opposing running backs, and Chandler should struggle again in the rematch. Only seven running backs have scored at least 10 PPR points against the Lions this season and none since Week 13.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Leads backfield on 10 carries
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Chandler rushed 10 times for 40 yards and caught all three of his targets for 24 yards in Sunday's 33-10 loss to the Packers.
Chandler continued to serve as Minnesota's lead rusher after receiving seven more carries than Alexander Mattison, the only other back to get the ball Sunday. Chandler couldn't extend his touchdown streak to three games, but his production was a step forward from last week's 8-17-1 rushing line. Minnesota's starting tailback will look to end the regular season on a high note when the team visits Detroit in Week 18.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Start Him (Lineup Decisions)
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Chandler was basically forgotten about last week as the Vikings went pass-crazy with Nick Mullens versus a very stout Lions run defense. This week I think we'll see a switch and the Vikings try to get their ground game going against a much softer run defense. By feeding Chandler, the Vikings can sort of protect their passing game from making mistakes, especially with some key pieces either missing or playing hurt. The Packers run defense looked good last week against the Panthers (2.4 yards per carry allowed) but in the six games prior to that they had given up a 5.1-yard rushing average and a 9.4% explosive run rate with six rushing touchdowns to running backs. Chandler played 65% of the snaps for Minnesota last week including each of eight snaps inside the 10-yard line. I suspect he'll continue to lead the charge in a better matchup, hopefully with a couple of more targets. He's a low-end RB2 I would use over Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott and David Montgomery, but I do like Derrick Henry, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Devin Singletary better.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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Even with Alexander Mattison back in Week 16 against Detroit following a one-game absence with an ankle injury, Chandler still played 65 percent of the snaps compared to just 9 percent for Mattison. Now, Chandler struggled against the Lions with eight carries for 17 yards and a touchdown and no catches, but he should rebound this week against Green Bay. The Packers have allowed a running back to score at least 12.1 PPR points in five games in a row, with six total touchdowns over that span, and Chandler should be considered a flex option in all leagues.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Should remain lead back Sunday
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Chandler is expected to remain the Vikings' lead back for Sunday's game against the Lions, even though Alexander Mattison (ankle) is active for the contest, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
While Mattison was sidelined for the first time this season in last Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler stepped into the starting role and made the most of the opportunity. He carried 23 times for 132 yards and a touchdown to go with three catches for 25 yards on four targets, with his 157 yards from scrimmage besting Mattison's top total through the first 13 games of the season by 32 yards. Though Mattison is available, he was listed as questionable heading into Sunday after managing just one limited practice this week and may be in store for a minor change-of-pace role while he's less than 100 percent healthy. Head coach Kevin O'Connell hasn't expounded on his plans for the Minnesota backfield beyond Week 16, but given Mattison's underwhelming numbers as the Vikings' lead back for most of the season, Chandler could have an opportunity to stick atop the depth chart the rest of the way if he delivers another credible performance versus a tough Detroit run defense.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Could stick as lead back
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Head coach Kevin O'Connell hinted Wednesday that Chandler could remain the Vikings' lead back, regardless of Alexander Mattison's (ankle) status for Sunday's game against the Lions, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports. "Ty is absolutely a guy that is going to continue to see a feature role in our offense," O'Connell said. "What that looks like moving forward, as far as who gets the first touch of the game and all those things, we'll continue to work through based upon what we are attempting to do scheme-wise."
While Mattison was sidelined for this past Saturday's 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler stepped into the starting role and turned in the best performance of the season by a Vikings running back, finishing with 23 carries for 132 yards and a touchdown to go with three receptions for 25 yards on four targets. Though O'Connell stopped short of naming Chandler the Vikings' new No. 1 back, the coach's comments suggest that the second-year player has at the very least earned himself a larger share of the snaps and touches out of the backfield. Mattison remained sidelined Wednesday for the Vikings' first Week 16 practice, and even if he puts himself in a position to play Sunday, his lacking production on the ground (3.9 yards per carry, no touchdowns on 168 carries) and ball-security concerns (three total fumbles, two lost) could force him to settle for a secondary role behind Chandler.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Breakout effort in first start
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Chandler ran for 132 yards and one touchdown on 23 carries in the 27-24 overtime loss to the Bengals on Saturday, adding three receptions for 25 yards on four targets.
Chandler played almost every snap for Minnesota, as backup Kene Nwangwu saw just one carry for one yard. It was encouraging to see Chandler take up such a big workload -- the 23 carries is easily an NFL career high for Chandler, and the second-highest number of carries he's had in a game going back to his five-year collegiate career. It's not clear whether Alexander Mattison (ankle) will be able to return against Detroit in Week 16, but if Mattison is out it should mean another big workload for Chandler.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Sleeper RBs
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Alexander Mattison (ankle) is out for Week 15 at Cincinnati, which means Chandler should be considered a No. 2 running back in all leagues. The Bengals have allowed a running back to score at least 15.9 PPR points in four of their past five games, and Chandler should be in line for 20-plus touches as the starter. Mattison left Week 14 at Las Vegas, and Chandler finished with 12 carries for 35 yards and three catches for 7 yards on three targets. New Minnesota starter Nick Mullens will likely rely on Chandler out of the backfield, and he has two games in his past three outings with at least three receptions.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Set for lead role Week 15
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Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell indicated that Chandler will serve as the team's lead back Saturday against the Bengals with Alexander Mattison (ankle) ruled out for the contest, Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com reports.
After spraining his ankle early in the second half of Sunday's 3-0 win over the Raiders, Mattison was unable to practice in any fashion during Week 15. Chandler should be in store for his first NFL start this weekend as a result, and he likely won't face much of a challenge for snaps from the remaining backfield options currently on the roster. Kene Nwangwu is the No. 3 back on the depth chart but is valued mainly for his contributions as the Vikings' kickoff returner and is relied upon on offense for the occasional gadget play, while fullback C.J. Ham primarily operates as a blocker rather than a runner or receiver. The Vikings are likely to promote one or both of Myles Gaskin and DeWayne McBride from the practice squad to offer an additional rushing threat behind Chandler, but the second-year back out of North Carolina could still have a path to a three-down role. Chandler hasn't been overly efficient with his limited opportunities through his first 16 career NFL games, averaging 4.1 yards on 55 carries and 6.0 yards over 15 targets.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Sleepers (Start/Sit)
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If Alexander Mattison (ankle) is out for Week 15 at Cincinnati then Chandler has the chance to be a No. 2 running back in all leagues. The Bengals have allowed a running back to score at least 15.9 PPR points in four of their past five games, and Chandler would be in line for 20-plus touches as the starter. Mattison left Week 14 at Las Vegas, and Chandler finished with 12 carries for 35 yards and three catches for 7 yards on three targets. New Minnesota starter Nick Mullens will likely rely on Chandler out of the backfield, and he has two games in his past three outings with at least three receptions.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Ties season high in touches
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Chandler carried the ball 12 times for 35 yards and caught all three of his targets for seven yards in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Raiders.
The second-year pro took over as the Vikings' No. 1 back after Alexander Mattison (ankle) left the game on the first drive of the second half, and Chandler wound up tying his season high in touches, although he didn't produce much with the extra volume. It's not yet clear how serious Mattison's injury is, so Chandler could be in line to get extra carries, or even the start, in Week 15 against the Bengals.
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Vikings' Ty Chandler: Week 15 Early Waiver Targets (Add/Drop)
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Chandler has seen his role increase over the past month, and now it looks like he could be thrust into a significant role for the Fantasy playoffs. This offense isn't as good as it was earlier in the season, but Chandler could still be a must-start Fantasy option with a three-down role for Week 15 Bengals – Kene Nwangwu played just 7% of the team's snaps after Mattison's injury, while Chandler played 83%, including 10 of 13 passing downs. If you need a running back, he sure looks like the guy to target heading into Week 15 if you don't play in one of the 18% of CBS Fantasy leagues where Ezekiel Elliott is still available.
