5 bold Minnesota Vikings predictions for Week 16 vs. the Detroit Lions
By Chris Schad
3. Ty Chandler will crash back to earth
One of the most encouraging developments in Saturday’s loss was the performance of Ty Chandler. Chandler ran for 132 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals and is on track to earn his second straight start after Alexander Mattison missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday.
While some would argue that Chandler should get the starting role from here on out, it may not result in another big performance against the Lions.
Detroit's rushing defense ranks eighth in the NFL this season with 95.9 rushing yards allowed per game, and they're sixth in the league with 3.8 rushing yards allowed per carry.
While the Lions also have a top-10 rushing defense in EPA against the run, Cincinnati was a softer matchup, ranking 28th in rushing yards allowed this year and tied for second in yards per carry allowed.
This could mean nothing if Minnesota's offensive line gives Chandler room to run, but consistency has been his main flaw dating back to the preseason. If Chandler has another big game, he will definitely earn it.