Fantasy Alert: Vikings’ Aaron Jones, Ty Chandler to split RB Snaps as ‘1A’ and ‘1B’ | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumours

Fantasy managers intrigued by the Minnesota Vikings’ addition of Aaron Jones should know that he won’t necessarily be a bell cow back on offense.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano, the Vikings believe Jones “has always been at his best” playing with a complementary back and expect him and Ty Chandler to function as a “1A” and “1B” duo.

Graziano noted that the expectation, based on what he saw from attending two days of training camp earlier this month, is that the Vikings will look to get Jones between 15-18 touches per game, but that number could exceed 20, depending on the game plan.

That volume wouldn’t be much different from what Jones had with the Green Bay Packers. He has averaged 12.1 carries and 2.8 receptions per game in 97 appearances over the past seven seasons.

Jones averaged more than 17 touches per game twice, in 2019 (17.9) and 2020 (17.8). It’s also in the Vikings’ best interest to watch his workload because he’s at an age where running backs can be more susceptible to injury.

A hamstring injury plagued Jones throughout the 2023 season. He missed six games, had fewer than 10 rushing attempts in each of the first four games and five of the first seven games played.

When Jones returned to the lineup in Week 15 after a three-game absence, he appeared to be at full strength for the first time all season. He had at least 18 carries and rushed for more than 100 yards in each of his last five games, including the playoffs.

A fifth-round pick in 2022, Chandler played a big role in the offense after being thrust into the starting lineup late last season. He has averaged 15.3 carries, 81.8 total yards and scored two total touchdowns over the last four weeks.

According to FantasyPros, Jones is currently selected as the No. 1 running back. 18, with an average draft position of 57.0. Chandler is the 46th running back with an ADP of 137.0.

If you’re a fantasy manager looking for a bankable running back battery that you can build later in the draft to focus on other positions early, the Vikings duo of Jones and Chandler is an intriguing option .