Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or J.J. McCarthy

Friday, October 31, 4:55 PM

When the Minnesota Vikings travel to play the Detroit Lions in Week 9, running back Aaron Jones Sr. should be considered a volatile RB3/flex option with the Vikings' offense currently struggling. Minnesota played almost all of its most recent game with three backups on the offensive line, which manifested in an awful showing of 146 yards of total offense. This week, the Vikings will bring back starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle), which could provide a boost, but the matchup remains unfriendly for Jones. The Lions rank fourth in the NFL in rushing defense by holding opponents to just fewer than 88 yards of offense, and Minnesota still intends to give carries to both Jones and Jordan Mason. Jones should still get enough to work to be considered for starting lineups, but he comes with risk, given the circumstances.

Friday, October 31, 4:59 PM

Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (ankle) is set to return to the starting lineup on Sunday against Detroit, but the biggest question for fantasy managers should be whether the team can keep him upright. The Vikings, who have the second-worst sack rate in the league, are coming off a miserable showing last week in which they ran just 47 plays and gained 146 yards. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) has been in and out of the lineup, right tackle Brian O'Neill (knee) has no designation this week but missed all of last game, and center Ryan Kelly (concussion) is on injured reserve. Still, with skill players like wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, there is at least some hope that McCarthy's return can provide a jolt to an offense that sorely needs it. Playing at Detroit is a tough start, however, so managers should consider McCarthy only in deeper leagues with a superflex spot.