Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Chase Brown

Friday, December 5, 3:42 PM

Running back Jordan Mason of the Minnesota Vikings enters a Week 14 game with some lineup appeal as an RB2/flex candidate with the Washington Commanders coming to U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings have struggled immensely in recent weeks, but could see a reprieve in the form of a lowly ranked Commanders defense. Through 13 weeks, Washington is allowing scoring drives on nearly 49% of opposing possessions -- the worst rate in the NFL -- and ranks 29th overall against half-PPR running backs. That could line up well for Mason, who may see more work if Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) sees any issues with his lingering injury, though it bears mentioning that Jones does not carry an injury designation despite leaving last week's loss at Seattle. Minnesota will see the return of starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) and likely will lean on the running game to aid the struggling passing attack. Relying on any Viking at the moment comes with risk, but the setting is good enough to consider playing Mason in Week 14.

Friday, December 5, 10:32 AM

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown (calf) got off to a slow start to the 2025 season, averaging just 50.6 scrimmage yards per game over his first six contests. However, the 25-year-old has taken off ever since Week 7, topping 100 scrimmage yards in each of his last six games. Over the last three weeks in particular, Brown is averaging 22.3 touches and 123.3 scrimmage yards per game. Finding the end zone remains a struggle for Brown, as he's scored just two touchdowns on the season. With Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow back in the fold and Cincinnati's offense as a whole trending upward, Brown should have more red zone chances in the coming weeks. It's worth noting that Brown is listed on the Bengals' injury report with a calf injury heading into the team's Week 14 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but he's been a full practice participant and appears likely to play. As long as Brown is on the field, he profiles as a must-start fantasy running back.