Vikings RB could make dubious franchise history in Week 18

Entering the final week of the NFL regular season, plenty is on the line, from playoff spots to jobs. For Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison, he has one more outing left to avoid making dubious franchise history. 

Despite recording a career-high in carries (173), Mattison has yet to score a rushing touchdown. If his touchdown drought continues through Week 18 against the Detroit Lions, he will become the franchise's first and only leading rusher to finish the year with zero scores on the ground. 

While Mattison's potential feat might sound unbelievable, several Vikings have come close. Since the team's inaugural season in 1961, three rushing leaders ended the year with only one TD, including Mewelde Moore (2005), Darrin Nelson (1983) and Ted Brown (1982), per Pro Football Reference. 

Thrust into the starting spot after the team stunningly parted ways with four-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook ahead of the 2023 campaign, Mattison hasn't performed at the level the Vikings had hoped. While he's already posted a career-best 676 yards to lead the team, his 3.9 yards per carry are the lowest since 2021 (3.7). Meanwhile, second-year back Ty Chandler has outshined him when given the chance, averaging 4.4 yards a carry (392 yards) off 90 attempts with three TDs. 

A 2019 third-round pick, Mattison has one year remaining on a two-year, $7 million contract signed at the start of the season. So, he'll likely get a chance in 2024 to secure the No. 1 job again. However, he'll have to step up after doing little with the opportunity this season. 

Along with the Vikings' slim playoff hopes and Mattison's pending history, he also has money on the line Sunday against the Lions. The 25-year-old needs only 74 rushing yards to reach 750, which would earn him a sweet $250K bonus.