Who Should I Start? Ezekiel Elliott or Ty Chandler

Monday, April 29, 10:25 AM

The Dallas Cowboys are bringing back former Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. This has been a developing story in recent weeks, and after Dallas did not pick a running back in the 2024 NFL Draft, their former first-round pick is back with America's Team. In seven seasons with Dallas, Elliott rushed 1,881 times for 8,262 yards and 68 touchdowns. The team let him walk last offseason and elevated Tony Pollard to the RB1 role, but Pollard was underwhelming and left for the Tennessee Titans during free agency this year. Although Zeke averaged a career-low 3.5 yards per carry last season, he could have RB2 value back in Dallas in one of the best offenses in the NFL. Assuming the Cowboys don't add more legitimate competition to the backfield, he should start, and Rico Dowdle should be viewed as a high-end fantasy handcuff in 2024.

Friday, March 1, 12:15 AM

After the release of running back Alexander Mattison on Thursday, Minnesota Vikings running back Ty Chandler is the team's starter at the position. After the release of Dalvin Cook, Mattison operated as Minnesota's lead back in 2023, taking 180 carries for 700 yards and no rushing touchdowns. Chandler, a former fifth-round pick in 2022, served as a complementary back and saw 102 rushing attempts for 461 yards (4.5 yards per carry) and three rushing scores, adding 21 receptions for 159 additional yards in his second season. The 25-year-old was more efficient than Mattison and should have a bigger role in Minnesota's backfield in 2024, but the Vikings will likely look to add to their RB through the offseason, through either the draft or free agency, or both.