One move the Vikings should make this week

The Minnesota Vikings head into their bye in Week 13 on a two-game losing streak but still in the playoff hunt. Before they can even sniff the postseason, however, Minnesota must fix its offense, especially the running game.

In the offseason, the Vikings moved on from veteran running back Dalvin Cook in favor of Alexander Mattison. So far, the results have been underwhelming. Mattison has 158 carries for 594 yards – a lackluster 3.8 yards per attempt —–and three fumbles.. 

After 12 games, the Vikings (6-6) are 24th in the NFL in total rushing yards (1,105), 24th in yards per attempt (3.9), 26th in rushing touchdowns and 29th in rushing yards per game (92.1). The Vikings are averaging fewer rushing yards per game in 2023 than they did in 2022 (95.7).

QB Joshua Dobbs – who didn't join the team until the trade deadline Oct. 31 – leads the team in rushing scores with three touchdowns. Mattison, meanwhile, has no rushing touchdowns. Luckily, there is a viable solution to the team's rushing woes: backup RB Ty Chandler.

The second-year runner has shown flashes this season and could provide a spark as a starter. In spot duty, the 5-foot-11, 204-pounder has 168 yards rushing on 37 attempts and a rushing TD. Significantly, he has zero fumbles and is averaging 4.5 yards per attempt, the highest mark on the team

In October, Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell praised Chandler, calling him a "nice change-of-pace" back.

Well, the "nice change-of-pace" back needs more carries. He should play on first and second down, with the heavier Mattison (5-foot-11, 215 pounds) the option on third down and at the goal line.

Either rookie Jaren Hall, journeyman Nick Mullens or Dobbs – who has struggled recently – will be the quarterback the rest of the season, so a reliable run game is vital.

Clearly, Mattison isn't working as an every-down back. The Vikings have nothing to lose and everything to gain by handing the keys to Chandler.