Who Should I Start? Aaron Jones Sr. or Kenneth Walker III

Friday, February 6, 10:42 AM

In his first season with the team in 2024, Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. recorded over 1,500 yards from scrimmage and played 17 games, earning himself a second contract. However, Jones Sr. struggled through injuries and a production decline in 2025, logging just 747 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 160 touches across 12 games played. Even when Jones Sr. was healthy, Minnesota split backfield work between him and Jordan Mason, limiting the production upside for both players. If Jones Sr. is back with the Vikings in 2026, he figures to work in a timeshare with Mason once again. Minnesota could also save $8 million against the cap by releasing Jones Sr., so the veteran running back may find himself in a new home come September. Regardless of where Jones Sr. is playing in 2026, his days as a true lead back for an NFL team may be coming to an end as he hits his age-32 season.

Monday, February 9, 12:32 PM

Seattle Seahawks running back Kenneth Walker III rushed for 135 yards on 27 carries during Sunday's Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots. He also caught two of four targets for an additional 26 receiving yards. Walker's spectacular postseason culminated in a terrific showing on the world's biggest stage. He averaged five yards per carry and broke off several big runs that helped the Seahawks clinch a Super Bowl title. For his efforts, he was also named Super Bowl MVP. Walker had a very impressive 2025 campaign, and it came during a contract year. For the first time in his career, he was healthy for all 17 regular-season games. He tallied 1,309 scrimmage yards and five touchdowns while splitting work with Zach Charbonnet during the regular season, and he put the rushing workload on his back after Charbonnet tore his ACL during Seattle's first playoff game. Walker will now enter free agency as arguably the top running back available, alongside players like Travis Etienne Jr. and Breece Hall. Walker's landing spot will paint a better picture of his fantasy value in 2026 drafts, but for now, he's a solid top-12 running back in all redraft formats, especially if he ends up back in Seattle.