Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or J.K. Dobbins

Saturday, August 9, 2:53 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones is not expected to play Saturday against the Houston Texans. Jones was the starting running back for the Vikings in 2024, totaling over 300 attempts for 1,546 scrimmage yards and seven total touchdowns. At 30 years old, it's understandable why the Vikings are choosing to rest Jones, while 2024 first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy will play. Jones was listed as the starting running back for the Vikings in their unofficial depth chart. However, head coach Kevin O'Connell has already mentioned that they will use a committee approach with newly signed running back Jordan Mason. While another 300-attempt season is unlikely, Jones should be drafted as a high-end RB3 in most fantasy football formats.

Saturday, August 16, 11:27 PM

Denver Broncos running back J.K. Dobbins could be in line to earn the starting running back job ahead of Week 1. Head coach Sean Payton said that the Broncos' starters would not play in their second preseason game. R.J. Harvey and Jaleel McLaughlin both played, while Dobbins suited up but did not see the field. Assuming Payton's declaration about his starters was accurate, Dobbins would be in line to start Week 1. Despite the Broncos drafting Harvey in the second round, we shouldn't be too shocked that the job is Dobbins' to lose. Denver specifically went out and signed him in early June, giving him a $5.25 million contract that was likely reflective of his expected role in the offense. The veteran running back exceeded expectations last year with the Los Angeles Chargers, totaling 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns through 13 games. He was the overall RB23 in half-PPR leagues despite missing four contests, and he ranked 17th in fantasy points on a per-game basis. With Denver's offense expected to be productive and consistently operate with a positive game script this year, Dobbins should continue to deliver results for fantasy managers. Harvey does pose a threat to steal touches, but the 26-year-old remains a strong fantasy option. He enters the year as a mid-range RB3/FLEX play.