Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or RJ Harvey

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, May 29, 3:20 PM

Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey has become one of the hottest fantasy football names among rookies after being selected in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft. According to team reporter Andrew Mason, the University of Central Florida product had a strong minicamp and "made another statement" at Thursday's OTA practice. Harvey was the fifth running back off the board last month after rushing for 3,789 yards (6.5 YPC) and 43 rushing touchdowns over the last three seasons. He added 61 receptions for 720 yards and four scores in 41 games. In Sean Payton's offense, expectations are high for the versatile and explosive back. He has minimal competition in the Denver backfield, and he should be utilized heavily as a receiver right away. Harvey should have no problem producing an RB2 season as a rookie, and he has an RB1 ceiling.