Jordan Mason Fantasy Projection 2026: Should You Draft the Vikings RB?

Jordan Mason has done really well for himself, going from UDFA to a relevant player in an NFL offense. We’ve seen glimpses of Mason in a lead-back role, but never for an entire season. While he’s flashed some upside in small doses, does Mason actually possess a ceiling worth chasing in fantasy drafts? And can he reach it in 2026?

Should You Draft Jordan Mason in Fantasy Football?

Both of the Vikings’ running backs are unlikely success stories. Aaron Jones was a fifth-round pick and Mason a UDFA. At this point, Jones has long since established himself as better than his draft capital. The same can be said about Mason, but not to the same extent.

Mason barely touched the ball in his first two seasons before breaking out in his third year, filling in for an injured Christian McCaffrey. It was that performance that got Mason signed by the Vikings, not just as a backup, but as the 1b in a committee.

START PREPARING: PFN’s FREE Fantasy Draft Simulator

Last season, Mason only averaged 8.1 fantasy points per game. Obviously, that’s not moving the needle. The theory behind drafting Mason was that Jones, at 30 years old, would either get hurt or fall off, allowing Mason to outperform his ADP expectation.

Jones wound up missing five games last season. Mason started in his absence and proved the theory correct.

• 12 games with Jones: 5.6 PPG
• 5 games without Jones: 12.6 PPG

Those aren’t league-winning numbers, but they’re rock-solid RB2/Flex numbers. RJ Harvey was the overall RB24 last season, averaging 12.2 PPG. Mason would’ve been right on the RB2/3 border if he started across a full season.

Let’s also not forget the circumstances in which Mason played. He had to deal with JJ McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer at quarterback. This was not your typical high-quality Vikings offense. Yet, Mason still proved capable of being a viable RB3/Flex.

FANTASY RANKINGS: PFN’s FREE Fantasy PPR, Half-PPR, and Non-PPR Rankings

Mason’s ability to average 4.8 yards per carry under those conditions is highly encouraging. But it’s important to remember the skill set Mason possesses. He is a pure two-down grinder. In his last 28 games (his last two seasons combined), Mason has earned a total of 30 targets. Not receptions. Targets. That’s about one a game.

Mason is a complete zero in the passing game. That means the entirety of his fantasy production must come from rushing yards and touchdowns. The latter is obviously a problem in a bad offense. To his credit, he scored six times last season. Those were also the only games in which he was even remotely useful.

Mason averaged 13.9 PPG in games he scored. He averaged 4.9 PPG when he didn’t score. Mason took the term “touchdown or bust RB2” to the extreme.

Mason’s Redraft Fantasy Football Value

This year, the Vikings’ offensive pieces are largely the same as last year. Jefferson and Jordan Addison will be the top two receivers. T.J. Hockenson is back at tight end. Jauan Jennings replacing Jalen Nailor as the WR3 doesn’t have much impact. And nothing meaningful was done to the backfield. It’s still Jones and Mason leading the way.

Obviously, the most significant change is Kyler Murray at quarterback. Say what you want about Murray, he’s an upgrade on McCarthy. Plus, we should trust Kevin O’Connell to get this team back on track. He was able to make things work with the likes of Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and Josh Dobbs. He will be okay with Murray.

If we assume the offense can rebound to some capacity, everyone else should come along with it. What does that mean for Mason?

DIVE IN: PFN’s Free Fantasy Football HQ

At worst, Mason should be what he was last year. Of course, without the Jones injury, we’re talking about a player who was pretty much never startable in fantasy. But there’s reason for more optimism.

For starters, Jones is another year older. He will turn 32 before the season ends. He’s another year closer to breaking down or declining. That increases the chances Mason sees a larger role.

The other way Mason can benefit is if the offense is simply better. Just because he wasn’t viable alongside Jones last season doesn’t mean he can’t be this year if the Vikings are able to sustain drives longer and score more. There wasn’t much he could do on an offense that scored 33 total touchdowns and ranked 26th in scoring.

Mason’s price is quite reasonable at his RB41 ADP. I have him ranked at RB42, right in line with where he’s going in drafts.

Also Read: 2026 Controversial Fantasy Football Running Back Depth Charts: Who To Draft In These Confusing Rooms

While the outlook on Mason this year is better than last year, he’s still not a player I’m overly excited about. I will take him at cost if I need a running back and he’s the best one available, but with no receiving profile, the upside is limited.

Obviously, if Jones gets hurt or completely falls off a cliff, Mason will smash his ADP. But even if Jones’ role is reduced, he will retain his passing-down work. And if it’s not Jones, it will be someone else. It won’t be Mason. As a result, I am looking at other players with more upside in that area of the draft.

Preseason Fantasy RB Rankings

1. Bijan Robinson | ATL
2. Jahmyr Gibbs | DET
3. James Cook III | BUF
4. Jonathan Taylor | IND
5. Ashton Jeanty | LV
6. Christian McCaffrey | SF
7. Saquon Barkley | PHI
8. Chase Brown | CIN
9. De’Von Achane | MIA
10. Derrick Henry | BAL
11. Kenneth Walker III | KC
12. Jeremiyah Love | ARI
13. Omarion Hampton | LAC
14. Javonte Williams | DAL
15. Breece Hall | NYJ
16. Kyren Williams | LAR
17. D’Andre Swift | CHI
18. Travis Etienne Jr. | NO
19. Josh Jacobs | GB
20. Cam Skattebo | NYG
21. David Montgomery | HOU
22. Bhayshul Tuten | JAX
23. TreVeyon Henderson | NE
24. Quinshon Judkins | CLE
25. Jaylen Warren | PIT
26. Bucky Irving | TB
27. Jadarian Price | SEA
28. Rhamondre Stevenson | NE
29. Chuba Hubbard | CAR
30. Kenny Gainwell | TB
31. Tony Pollard | TEN
32. Jordan Mason | MIN
33. Rico Dowdle | PIT
34. Jacory Croskey-Merritt | WAS
35. Blake Corum | LAR
36. RJ Harvey | DEN
37. Kyle Monangai | CHI
38. Rachaad White | WAS
39. Chris Rodriguez Jr. | JAX
40. Zach Charbonnet | SEA
41. Aaron Jones Sr. | MIN
42. Jonathon Brooks | CAR
43. J.K. Dobbins | DEN
44. Tyler Allgeier | ARI
45. Tyrone Tracy Jr. | NYG
46. Isiah Pacheco | DET
47. Woody Marks | HOU
48. Tyjae Spears | TEN
49. Nick Singleton | TEN
50. Brian Robinson Jr. | ATL