Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler will not be a viable fantasy option this weekend when his team travels to Nashville to take on the Tennessee Titans. The 26-year-old has seemingly fallen out of favor as the handcuff to own over the last few weeks, getting out-snapped and out-carried by backfield mate Cam Akers after being acquired from the Houston Texans. Chandler did tote the rock four times for 18 yards in last weekend's 12-7 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars but only rotated into the game when lead back Aaron Jones (ribs) tended to an injury. Still, that drive was split with Akers. The third-year back is RotoBaller's PPR RB75 in this week's rankings.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler will square off against the Indianapolis Colts at home this Sunday in one of the better on-paper matchups of Week 9. While Minnesota projects to have its way with a non-existent Colts defense, Chandler still won't be a recommended option in the juicy matchup. The 26-year-old back is a distant second option out of the Vikings backfield behind veteran Aaron Jones and likely won't put together a valuable fantasy performance unless Jones misses time or Minnesota blows Indy out of the water. Neither of these outcomes is exactly projectable. As RotoBaller's RB52 in PPR formats in this week's ranks, Chandler presents as little more than a desperation play as the handcuff to own behind Jones.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler has been quiet as the primary backup this season. In fact, Chandler has rushed for 30 yards or less in every game but one this season. Chandler only saw two carries during last week's loss to the Detroit Lions. However, Chandler could see a bigger role in Week 8 with lead back Aaron Jones (hamstring) on the injury report. It's a short week as the Vikings play the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday. The absence of Jones would mean Chandler likely becomes the lead back with Cam Akers being his primary backup. Chandler saw 14 carries in Week 5 and only managed 30 yards on the ground. Fantasy managers in desperate need of running back help should stash Chandler, but he's not worth even considering starting unless Jones sits out.
Ty Chandler Could See Increased Workload On Sunday
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler could have an increased role if No. 1 running back Aaron Jones (hamstring) cannot suit up. Jones is currently listed as questionable on the team's injury report and will likely be a game-time decision. If Jones is eventually ruled out, Chandler should be expected to be pushed to the top of the depth chart. When Jones left their previous game early, Chandler saw 14 attempts but tallied a mere 30 yards. Through the air, he caught two passes for nine yards. Facing a tough Detroit defense that has allowed the fourth-fewest PPR points to opposing running backs does lower Chandler's ceiling this weekend. However, if he is in the lead role, he is worth a look as a flex play simply for the potential volume.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is out of action this week on a bye, but after Aaron Jones (hip) suffered a hip injury in the Week 5 win over the New York Jets, Chandler could be in line to start in Week 7 against the Detroit Lions. There will be plenty of updates on Jones' status next week, but fantasy managers needing help at running back should consider stashing Chandler in case the former Green Bay Packer is sidelined for longer than expected. The team is labeling Jones as "week-to-week," so he's not a lock to return immediately. Chandler was limited to just 39 yards on 16 touches in relief of Jones on Sunday, but he would enter the game as the clear RB1 against Detroit if Jones can't go. His upside would likely be limited against a strong Detroit front, but his potential usage would put him in RB2 territory, which is valuable for fantasy managers who have D'Andre Swift or Rico Dowdle on a bye next week.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler showed some explosive playmaking ability in Week 2, as he turned 10 rushing attempts into 82 yards on the ground, with seven of those carries going for at least five yards. The third-year running back has had at least 10 touches each game for the Vikings so far this season and may be needed to maintain steady offensive production in Week 3 against a stout Houston Texans defense. His timeshare with Aaron Jones (hip) could pose some unpredictability for Chandler, though head coach Kevin O'Connell trusts his backup running back; the 26-year-old touches the ball on 55% of his offensive snaps, leading all Vikings rushers. If you're experiencing significant injuries on your team, you could do worse than Chandler as a flex this week.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler took 10 carries for 82 yards in Sunday's 23-17 win over the San Francisco 49ers. His long gain was a 25-yard scamper, and he did not receive a target. Chandler had one more rush than Aaron Jones in the contest and outpaced him by 50 yards on his way to a hyper-efficient 8.2 yards per tote. However, Jones did receive six targets in the passing game, hauling in five for 36 yards. Through two games, the Vikings' backfield split has been all over the place, with Jones out-carrying Chandler -- and out-producing him cumulatively -- in Week 1, although the latter caught all three of his targets that week -- one more than the former. The 26-year-old is unlikely to boast stand-alone value while sharing the field with the former Packer. However, the backfield split this week at least warrants an eye-brow raise and is a situation to monitor moving forward. Minnesota will take on the Houston Texans at home in Week 3.
Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is expected to return kicks following the latest depth chart update. Chandler is listed as the team's primary kick returner while Brandon Powell handles punt return duties. This development comes in the wake of Minnesota's decision to release talented returner Kene Nwangwu. Chandler has big shoes to fill but is likely up for the challenge after getting a taste of the job last year. He returned four kicks for 97 yards in 2023. Fantasy managers should keep in mind that just because he is returning kicks doesn't mean he won't see snaps out of the backfield. Minnesota is expected to rely on Chandler to take some of the workload off veteran Aaron Jones. Chandler might not see quite enough snaps to warrant any fantasy consideration immediately, but he's an intriguing insurance policy at the very least.
Ty Chandler Inconsistent As Starter In First Preseason Game
Minnesota Vikings second-string running back Ty Chandler got the start as the team was resting new free agent back Aaron Jones. Chandler played the first two drives, netting seven carries for 33 rushing yards. The raw stats do not tell the whole story, as his first four attempts in the first drive gained just seven yards. He did receive two targets from starting quarterback Sam Darnold, though caught neither and dropped one that could have been a big gain through the air. Though the 26-year-old is likely solidified as the second running back on the Vikings depth chart, an explosive 48-yard touchdown run from third-stringer Kene Nwangwu in relief of Chandler could make the backfield muddier than expected.
The Athletic's Alec Lewis points out that Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is turning heads at mandatory minicamp this week, and that fans should keep an eye on him heading into the 2024 season. "I see us as having a one-two punch at running back (alongside Aaron Jones)," defensive tackle Harrison Phillips said, "almost like they have in Detroit. I don't know if that's what's happening on the offensive side, but I know that we have two true No. 1 running backs. I'd buy stock in Ty Chandler if I could." Aaron Jones is the starter in Minnesota's backfield, but the 26-year-old Chandler should have an increased role off the bench after he started the last four games in 2023 and was very productive. Jones' history with injuries makes Chandler a very enticing handcuff pick in fantasy drafts this fall.
Ty Chandler
• RB
•
Vikings
