Can you trust Ty Chandler for your fantasy football playoffs?
With the absence of running back Alexander Mattison against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Minnesota Vikings had some shoes to fill. Ty Chandler, 25, filled those shoes and more, but can you truly trust him for the coveted fantasy football playoffs?
The Minnesota Vikings offense hasn’t been the same with the absence of Kirk Cousins. Matter of fact, their run offense has been one of the worst in the NFL. But that could be in the past.
Last week during a crucial overtime loss to the Bengals, Chandler turned that narrative around. Chandler exploded on 23 carries, rumbling for 132 yards and one rushing touchdown. The North Carolina product also caught three balls for 25 yards.
Chandler gained recognition in the college football world before ultimately transferring to UNC in 2021. At UNC, Chandler rushed for just under 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns. After five years in college, the former rumbling Tar Heel back declared for the draft before being selected 169th overall by Minnesota. Cincinnati’s run defense isn’t anything special. Giving up the fifth most rushing yards per game this season with an average of 128.3 per game.
Now, fantasy football managers all over are wondering if they can truly trust Chandler after a strong performance against a weak Cincinnati run defense.
This week, Chandler and the Vikings face a much stronger front seven in the Detroit Lions. Detroit has been strong all year in stopping the run, allowing the eighth fewest rushing yards to opposing teams in 2023, quickly changing their defensive persona in just one year.
Last season, the Lions gave up almost 150 yards to opposing teams last year. A number that would rank second to last this season, sitting only in front of Denver by just .4 yards.
With Nick Mullens starting at quarterback, the Vikings will look towards Chandler once again this week in a big matchup against their division rivals. But look out for the Vikings to go down early against Detroit. The run game could quickly vanish, but that could mean Chandler getting involved in the short-passing game.
If Chandler is on your team this season for the playoffs, he deserves the start this week against Detroit. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Chandler should go in your lineup as a flex at least this week.
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