Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Justin Jefferson

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.

Friday, December 5, 3:35 PM

Fantasy managers who roster Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson ahead of the Week 14 game against Washington will be asking themselves what will happen when a very movable object meets an even more stoppable force. The Commanders' defense ranks a lowly 28th against half-PPR receivers, but calling the Vikings "inept" recently doesn't even begin to describe it. Minnesota is now turning over the ball on more than 17% of its possessions, scoring on fewer than one-third of them, and is coming off the franchise's first shutout defeat in 18 years last week at Seattle. Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) is slated to return after Max Brosmer's four-interception debacle last week, which could slightly help the superstar receiver, who is on track for career-low rates of catches, yards, and touchdowns. The Vikings have been so volatile that Jefferson should be considered a WR2, but he ultimately remains an All-Pro receiver facing a bad defense this week, giving some hope for a bounce-back game.