Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones or Zach Charbonnet

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.

Sunday, January 5, 8:20 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet did not deliver for fantasy managers in Week 18. He ran for 59 yards and gained 32 yards on a lateral from wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Charbonnet was in a great position to succeed as the starter. However, Seattle rotated running back Kenny McIntosh into the lineup consistently. As such, Charbonnet did not have the same volume he has enjoyed in his other starts this season. Charbonnet's future in fantasy is interesting. The Seahawks seem very committed to starting running back Kenneth Walker III (ankle). However, Charbonnet has shown this season that he can carry the load when called upon and Walker has proven himself to be injury prone throughout his career. At the very least, Charbonnet has proven himself to be an excellent complimentary piece to Walker. Charbonnet should have a chance to be a consistent contributor next year. His eight rushing touchdowns were excellent this year. Time will tell what Seattle decides to do with their offense.