Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or George Pickens

Friday, December 5, 3:45 PM

Running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) of the Minnesota Vikings does not have an injury designation when the Vikings play host to the Washington Commanders in Week 14, but he should be considered a risky flex option for fantasy lineups. The veteran has drawn more playing time than backfield mate Jordan Mason, but departed last week's loss at Seattle and did not return after re-aggravating his previous AC joint ailment that also knocked him out of Week 9's game at Detroit. The Vikings surely will want to lean on the running game against a Commanders defense that ranks 29th against half-PPR running backs to help their floundering passing offense, which could present opportunities for both backs. While the matchup is excellent, managers will have to consider that the shoulder is a lingering issue Jones will have to deal with, and the Vikings haven't exactly inspired much confidence in recent weeks.

Thursday, December 4, 1:13 AM

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens has already posted career highs in receptions (73), receiving yards (1,142), and touchdowns in 12 games this season. Pickens has been a seamless fit in his first year with the Cowboys and has formed one of the most dynamic wide receiver duos in the league with CeeDee Lamb. The 24-year-old was limited in practice on Monday with calf and knee injuries, but he has been cleared from the injury report and is all set to play Thursday night against the Detroit Lions. It's a dream matchup for the former Pittsburgh Steeler, as Detroit has played man coverage at a league-high 42.8% clip this season. Pickens has arguably been the best receiver against man coverage this season, leading all players by a wide margin with 463 yards against man, per Fantasy Points Data. In a matchup featuring the highest projected point total of the week, Pickens profiles as one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football in Week 14.