The Minnesota Vikings’ backfield presents one of the most intriguing fantasy football storylines heading into the 2025 season. With veteran Aaron Jones Sr. coming off a career-high workload and newcomer Jordan Mason arriving via trade with a lucrative contract, managers face a compelling decision between proven production and emerging upside.
The battle between experience and youth in Minneapolis could define both players’ fantasy football value this year. Our analysts break down each back’s outlook to help you navigate this crucial draft-day dilemma.
Aaron Jones Sr. Fantasy Outlook
There appears to be some expectation of injury for RB Jones this offseason, given his RB25 ADP is 10 spots lower than his 2024 finish. However, that may be a little unfair. The Vikings star missed six games in 2023, but bookended that season with 17 outings in both 2022 and 2024.
Instead of slowing down, Jones handled the biggest rushing workload of his eight-year career last season (255 attempts). That naturally coincided with a career-low rushing efficiency (4.46 yards per carry), but his 1,138 rushing yards were still his most ever in a season. The former Packer will look to improve on his six total touchdowns last season, though he hasn’t scored double-digit touchdowns since 2021 and now has more competition.
AARON JONES LEAPT INTO THE STANDS AFTER HIS 50TH CAREER RUSH TD 💪 pic.twitter.com/CECRe0VRit
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 17, 2024
There is a fear that Jones could lose work to backup Mason, whom the Vikings traded for in March. Mason stepped up in Christian McCaffrey’s absence last year and put up massive numbers on the ground for the 49ers.
Every team needs a backup, but Mason’s two-year, $10.5 million contract suggests the Vikings at least intend to get a good look at their new man. However, Jones played over 70% of the snaps on just six occasions in 2024, so he shouldn’t be too affected by Mason’s arrival.
Jones is another year older, but was eighth among running backs in targets last year and is still the lead back on a good offense with a top play-caller. Despite the age and competition concerns, RB25 is likely too cautious. Jones should still be able to produce middling to low-end RB2 value this season.
— Cameron Sheath, Fantasy Football Analyst
Jordan Mason Fantasy Outlook
Mason is one of my favorite sleepers this year and should have a strong season. Typically, I’d also be wary of players who broke out in a specific scheme and then moved teams. In this case, the Vikings may actually be an upgrade over last year’s 49ers, with an impressive offensive mind commanding the offense and a rebuilt interior that could make this one of the best lines in the league.Â
The Vikings sought him out, trading for him to make a backfield duo with Jones. Reports from camp are that this will be a 50-50 split, but I’d expect Jones to get the favorable carries early on. Regardless, Mason is much younger, and Jones has dealt with injuries throughout his career and turns 31 by the end of the season. Coming off a career-high workload, it’d be surprising to see Jones keep near that number of touches again.Â
Even with that, I’d expect Mason to be the more dominant red-zone threat. This team will want to keep their young quarterback, J.J. McCarthy, out of harm’s way, and the best way to do so is to hammer the run game, especially near the goal line.Â
Mason went for under 900 total yards in just six starts last year. With the gained experience and upgrade along the line on a suspected run-heavier team, he’ll be a useful fantasy asset even if he splits time with Jones, but he offers the upside of an RB1 if he takes on a larger role.
— Mason LeBeau, Fantasy Football Analyst
