The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield picture became more complex after their Monday night victory over Chicago.
Running backs Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason split duties in ways that challenge initial expectations about their roles. With their matchup against Atlanta ahead, which Vikings backs, if any, are worth starting in fantasy football lineups?
Aaron Jones Sr. Fantasy Outlook
Jones remains the starter, and that status is unlikely to change moving forward. However, starting doesn’t necessarily equate to being the most valuable fantasy option in this backfield. Jones played 50% of the snaps while handling just eight carries, the bulk of which came in the first half before the Vikings adjusted their approach.
The veteran’s rushing performance was concerning. He managed only 23 yards on those eight attempts for a 2.9 yards per carry average. His lack of explosiveness on the ground became more apparent when compared to Mason’s efficiency throughout the contest.
If not for an impressive receiving touchdown, it would have been a disaster game for Jones, fantasy-wise. He caught all three targets for 44 yards and a touchdown, with the score coming on a well-executed 27-yard reception in the fourth quarter that showcased his pass-catching skills.
Jones’ receiving ability remains his primary fantasy asset, as demonstrated by his perfect target conversion rate and ability to create after the catch. His 44 receiving yards matched Justin Jefferson for the team lead, highlighting his continued importance in the passing game despite reduced rushing opportunities.
The 30-year-old back’s fantasy production depended entirely on that receiving touchdown, though, which accounted for most of his 15.7 PPR points. This reliance on big plays rather than consistent volume creates volatility in his weekly ceiling and floor projections.
Jordan Mason Fantasy Outlook
Mason outsnapped Jones 30-28. That doesn’t come as a total surprise, as the Vikings made it abundantly clear when they signed Mason that they wanted more of a timeshare than last season. Most importantly, when the game was on the line and Minnesota needed to control the clock in the second half, Mason handled most of the work.
His 15 carries for 68 yards demonstrated significantly more juice on the ground than his 30-year-old counterpart, averaging 4.5 yards per carry compared to Jones’ struggles. Mason’s longest run of 19 yards came late in the fourth quarter when the Vikings were trying to put the game away.
The younger back clearly looked more spry and explosive when given opportunities, particularly in short-yardage and clock-management situations where his physical running style proved more effective. His ability to break tackles and maintain forward progress was evident throughout the contest.
Jordan Mason led Aaron Jones in snaps (30-28) and opportunities (16-11) last night.
Jones led in routes (13-9), and ran one that few RBs even get a chance to run. pic.twitter.com/Mt5feVoOe8
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) September 9, 2025
Mason offers nothing in the passing game, catching his lone target for seven yards, which limits his ceiling in negative game scripts. However, his expected dominance in goal-line and short-yardage situations makes him the favorite for high-value scoring opportunities near the end zone.
Mason’s involvement when the game mattered most suggests the coaching staff trusts him in crucial situations, particularly when they need to maintain possession and control game flow. This late-game usage could translate to increased opportunities as the season progresses.
Should You Start Jones or Mason This Week?
The matchup against Atlanta presents an intriguing challenge that could favor different aspects of each back’s skill set. The Falcons do not possess a great defense overall, but they may once again function as a pass-funnel defense that forces opponents away from their ground games.
Atlanta ranked as the 10th-best team against the run last season and displayed similar effectiveness in Week 1. The Falcons limited Tampa Bay’s rushing attack and shut down Bucky Irving despite his talent level. The Falcons held the Buccaneers to just 2.5 yards per carry on 28 attempts, demonstrating their continued strength against ground attacks.
MORE: Free Fantasy Football Start/Sit Optimizer
This defensive approach could make Week 2 more of a Jones game, where the Vikings might need to throw more frequently to move the ball effectively. His pass-catching ability becomes more valuable in scenarios where Minnesota regularly falls behind or faces third-and-long situations.
However, Minnesota’s play-calling in Week 1 clearly shows that they want to establish the run more with JJ McCarthy as their new quarterback. This philosophy could put Mason in line for heavy volume, particularly if the Vikings maintain a competitive game script and control possession.
Regardless of opponent quality, if the Vikings reach the red zone, they will likely lean on Mason for goal-line opportunities. His physical running style and late-game usage suggest he’s become the preferred option in short-yardage situations where touchdowns are most accessible.
Both players function as borderline RB2 options for Week 2, though neither qualifies as a must-start given the uncertainty surrounding their roles and the defensive matchup. The committee approach creates weekly volatility that makes both backs riskier than their individual talent levels might suggest.
