Who Should I Start? Alvin Kamara or Jordan Mason

Friday, December 26, 3:54 PM

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (knee, ankle) will miss his fifth consecutive game after another week of DNPs at practice. With rookie Devin Neal (hamstring), who had handled New Orleans' bellcow duties in Kamara's stead, hitting Injured Reserve prior to the team's Week 16 matchup with the Jets, fantasy managers were left to debate whether Audric Estime or Evan Hull would step in and benefit from the favorable matchup. Turns out it was tight end Taysom Hill, who saw season highs in snaps, carries, targets, receptions, and both rushing and receiving yards, while adding a 38-yard touchdown pass for good measure. The Saints face another plus matchup in the Titans in Week 17, and with Hill likely in line to again be worked heavily into New Orleans' game plan, he's a near must-start wherever he is tight end eligible.

Wednesday, December 24, 3:27 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (ankle) has been ruled out for the Christmas Day game on Thursday versus the division-rival Detroit Lions after missing practice from Monday through Wednesday, per the team. Mason was always viewed as a long shot to play on a short week after injuring his ankle in the Week 16 win over the New York Giants on Sunday. The Vikings have nothing left to play for in 2025, so they were not going to push Mason to play. With the 26-year-old on the sidelines on Thursday, Aaron Jones Sr. should be in line for more backfield touches against the Lions. However, his fantasy upside will be tempered with inexperienced backup quarterback Max Brosmer set to start in place of the injured J.J. McCarthy (hand). Jones should be considered more of a touchdown-dependent, high-end RB3/flex for the matchup against the Lions.