Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Ashton Jeanty

Monday, April 7, 12:27 PM

The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.

Friday, May 23, 12:04 PM

Las Vegas Raiders rookie first-round running back Ashton Jeanty used a unique backfield stance in his final season at Boise State last year, standing straight up before a snap to give him a better view of the defensive alignment. However, in OTAs with the Raiders, Jeanty has used a more prototypical stance at the suggestion of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, who thinks it gives the RB a stronger base to explode out of once the ball is snapped. The 21-year-old was the sixth overall pick in this year's NFL draft and will immediately come in and take over RB1 duties in Vegas, with veteran Raheem Mostert backing him up. Jeanty is physical, fast and hard to tackle and profiles as a workhorse back while excelling on the ground and through the air. Expect to pay a pretty penny on draft day for Jeanty in both redraft and dynasty drafts with expectations sky-high entering his rookie campaign.