Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Jameson Williams

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, July 10, 8:50 PM

The Athletic's Colton Pouncy writes that Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes has paused when discussing wide receiver Jameson Williams' future with the team, even though coaches have raved about him this offseason following a breakout 2024 campaign in which he caught 58 passes for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns during the regular season. Pouncy adds that the Lions might not be able to afford Williams in the long run if he continues on his current trajectory. The 24-year-old former 12th overall pick in 2022 out of Ohio State is under contract through the 2026 season. If the Lions cannot get close to an extension with him before the start of next season, he could become a trade candidate. The volume is unlikely to be there for Williams in 2025, but he can still be an explosive WR2/3 in fantasy, especially if the Lions emphasize the deep passing game more under new coordinator John Morton.