Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or De'Von Achane

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.

Sunday, May 18, 12:22 PM

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane had a strong season of overall production in 2024, rushing 203 times for 907 yards and six touchdowns while securing 78 of his 87 targets for 592 yards and another six scores. However, the speedster out of Texas A&M said he "left a lot of yards on the table" a season ago. "I always want to try to hit 1,000 yards and then 500 yards (receiving)," Achane said"I feel like I can do that as far as how much I'm being used and like the pass game that I was last year because I had a lot of receptions, and me watching film I felt like I left a lot of plays or I felt like I could have did more." Achane finished as the RB6 in total half-PPR fantasy points last year despite the Miami offense regressing mightily compared to the first two seasons of the Mike McDaniel tenure. The 23-year-old played in all 17 games, which is promising after he missed six games in his rookie campaign. While Achane's rushing efficiency predictably dropped in 2024, he remains an explosive ball carrier with chunk-play upside anytime he has the ball in his hands. He's a clear RB1 in 2025, and he could push to be a top-five performer in his third NFL campaign.