Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Miles Sanders

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.

Friday, July 4, 3:44 PM

Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports that Dallas Cowboys running back Miles Sanders split first-team work during mandatory minicamp with backfield mate Javonte Williams. Dallas is projected to have one of the worst RB rooms in the league this season, headlined by Sanders, Williams, and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue. Blue has apparently taken to the NFL quickly, but one of the veterans projects to begin the season as Dallas' lead back. It seems more likely that this backfield is destined for a running-back-by-committee approach, which would obviously dent the value of all three participants. For now, expect a primary split between the two vets, with Sanders handling passing situations and the Cowboys turning to Williams more often than not for short-yardage work.