Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or George Pickens

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.

Tuesday, May 20, 1:30 PM

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer said he has been impressed with the early work of wide receiver George Pickens, especially in the meeting room. "I see a guy that's maturing," Schottenheimer said. The Cowboys made a splash this offseason by acquiring Pickens and a 2026 sixth-round draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a 2026 third-rounder and a 2027 fifth-rounder. The 24-year-old is a nice upgrade at WR2 behind CeeDee Lamb in Dallas, and it's also a nice move for Pickens' fantasy value in 2025, as he'll be working with by far the best quarterback in his career in Dak Prescott. The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Georgia has had at least 801 yards receiving in his three NFL seasons but should have a chance for a career year in Dallas in 2025 in an offense that should be pass-happy under Schottenheimer.