Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Jahmyr Gibbs

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.

Thursday, June 5, 12:13 PM

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell said that running back Jahmyr Gibbs has stood out this spring during voluntary organized team activities. This news really shouldn't surprise anyone. Gibbs, who was taken 12th overall in the 2023 NFL draft, has made the Pro Bowl in each of his two NFL seasons and took a step forward in 2024 with 250 rushing attempts, 1,412 rushing yards and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns, adding 52 receptions for the second straight season, 517 receiving yards and four receiving TDs in 17 regular-season games (four starts). Gibbs' increased production had a lot to do with David Montgomery missing time with a knee injury, but even with a healthy Montgomery stealing touches away from Gibbs in Detroit's backfield, the 23-year-old is so explosive and efficient that he'll remain a high-end RB1 in fantasy.