Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Brian Robinson Jr.

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.

Tuesday, December 30, 9:27 PM

Across 16 games this season, San Francisco 49ers running back Brian Robinson Jr. has recorded 90 carries for 391 yards and two touchdowns. The 26-year-old has spent the entirety of 2025 in a secondary role behind star 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, who leads the NFL with 399 touches heading into the team's Week 18 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Robinson Jr. has been fairly efficient when given the opportunity so far this season, averaging 4.3 yards per carry. He's also proven to be a productive lead back at certain points in his career, recording 2,720 rushing yards and 22 total touchdowns across 57 career NFL games. However, his production upside in San Francisco is firmly capped as long as McCaffrey remains healthy. Robinson Jr. should not be on fantasy radars heading into Week 18.