Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Jalen Nailor

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.

Wednesday, June 11, 5:52 PM

Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jalen Nailor has bulked up in the offseason, with SKOR North's Judd Zulgad saying, "When you see him physically, you won't recognize him." Zulgad points out that fellow wideout Jordan Addison is likely to be suspended for two to three games to start the 2025 season for an off-field incident in Los Angeles last July, and Nailor is motivated headed into a contract year. The 26-year-old took a big step forward in his third NFL season in Minnesota in 2024, going for a 28-414-6 line on 42 targets over 17 regular-season games (seven starts) after catching 12 passes in his first two seasons. Nailor could have an expanded role early on if Addison is suspended, but he'll also face more competition from rookie third-rounder Tai Felton and free-agent addition Rondale Moore. For now, he remains outside of RotoBaller's top-100 fantasy receivers.