Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Bhayshul Tuten

Tuesday, August 5, 11:49 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason was viewed as a "massive" part of Minnesota's offseason plan, according to head coach Kevin O'Connell. During the spring, the Vikings acquired Mason via a trade. During the 2024 campaign, Mason emerged as a key contributor to the San Francisco rushing attack when Christian McCaffrey was sidelined. On a career-high 153 carries, Mason tallied 789 yards and three scores. During the first seven weeks, Mason flashed RB1 upside as he averaged a strong 14.8 PPR points per game and averaged 95.3 yards per game during this stretch. In addition, reports from Vikings camp suggest the team views him and veteran Aaron Jones as "Co-RB1s." While Jones will likely see the slight majority of carries, Mason possesses much higher upside given his age and speed. He is worth viewing as a standalone flex option and a high-upside handcuff if Jones were to miss time.

Monday, September 1, 9:26 PM

An AFC scout told Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic that Jacksonville Jaguars rookie running back Bhayshul Tuten is an "explosive, home-run hitter." A fourth-round pick out of Virginia Tech, Tuten averaged 6.3 rushing yards per attempt and scored 17 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season with the Hokies. He enters the year battling for playing time in the Jaguars' backfield with Travis Etienne Jr. and Tank Bigsby. There doesn't seem to be a definitive hierarchy between the three backs, making the Jacksonville running back room a difficult one for fantasy managers to evaluate. If Tuten produces when given the opportunity, there's a chance that he seizes the team's RB1 role and runs with it. He's worthy of a late-round pick in drafts, but managers may have to be patient through the early part of the season.