AlexanderMattison

News: 7 days agoMattison rushed 10 times for 52 yards and secured both targets for 11 yards in the Vikings' 12-10 loss to the Bears on Monday. He also fumbled once but recovered the ball.

Spin: Mattison led the Vikings in rushing yards and averaged over 5.0 yards per carry for just the second time this season with the help of a 21-yard run. The veteran back also saw two targets for the fourth straight contest, and his rushing yardage total qualified as his second highest since Week 4. Mattison notably outpaced Ty Chandler by six carries, sending the former into the Week 13 bye in control of the No. 1 running back role before a favorable Week 14 road matchup versus the Raiders.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mattison re-signed with the Vikings and will take over as lead back after four seasons as the primary backup behind Dalvin Cook (released in June). Mattison's overall efficiency doesn't leap off the page (career 4.13 YPC, 1.91 YAC), but his production when Cook missed time can't be ignored. Cook was sidelined for four games in 2021 and Mattison proceeded to lead the NFL in touches (105), rushing yards (518) and fantasy points in his stead. Mattison has yet to clear 166 touches in a single season, so we don't want to get too carried away, but the 25 year old is well positioned as the lead back in one of the league's top-scoring offenses. He's safest as your second RB but he certainly has top 10 upside.