Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Cameron Ward

Wednesday, December 24, 3:36 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (ankle) has been a reliable, if unremarkable, fantasy option this year, but he finds himself in RB3 territory as Minnesota prepares to host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day. Due to injuries to starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (hand) and backup Carson Wentz (shoulder), the Vikings are down to third-stringer Max Brosmer, an undrafted rookie. Already without left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee), the Vikings also ruled out center Ryan Kelly (concussion) and tight end T.J. Hockenson (shoulder), while right tackle Brian O'Neill (heel) is questionable. Jones figures to get most of the running back work with fellow running back Jordan Mason (ankle) injured, but the Vikings' offense is a shell of what it was even two weeks ago. Detroit ranks 12th against half-PPR running backs, and the Lions surely will be keying on the run in an effort to put pressure on Brosmer. Managers will have to weigh whether Jones dominating the backfield is worth the risk of relying upon an offense counting on so many reserves.

Sunday, December 21, 7:44 PM

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cameron Ward completed 21 of 28 passes for two touchdowns to go with four carries for nine yards as a runner in Sunday's 26-9 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. Ward has now thrown two touchdowns in three consecutive games and has accounted for two total touchdowns in four of the past five outings. The No. 1 overall pick had zero such games over the first 10 weeks of the season. Sunday's performance was also his highest completion percentage (75%), yards per attempt (8.1), and passer rating (122.3) in a game this season. He'll draw a tougher matchup next week against the New Orleans Saints and will profile as a QB2 in superflex leagues.