Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Isiah Pacheco

Monday, December 1, 11:00 AM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason has recorded single-digit touches in each of his last four games. However, the 26-year-old may step into a much more prominent role going forward after fellow Vikings back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 13 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Across the four games that Jones Sr. missed earlier this season with a hamstring injury, Mason recorded 301 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns on 66 touches. Minnesota's offense as a whole has spiraled downwards in recent weeks, recording six points combined over its last two games. However, Minnesota could get quarterback J.J. McCarthy (concussion) back in Week 14, and the Vikings have a far more favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders. If Jones Sr. is forced to miss time, Mason would have starting fantasy appeal in Week 14. He's worth targeting on the waiver wire even if more clarity around Jones Sr.'s status does not come until later in the week.

Thursday, November 27, 12:13 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco (knee) doesn't have an injury designation heading into Thanksgiving's game against the Dallas Cowboys. Pacheco has missed three straight games since suffering an MCL sprain during Kansas City's Week 8 win over the Washington Commanders. The 26-year-old logged three full practices this week, and it will be interesting to see how the running back touches will be distributed in his return on Thursday. Kareem Hunt has handled a big workload in Pacheco's absence, and just recorded a career high 30 carries in last week's win over the Indianapolis Colts. Rookie Brashard Smith has held a small role, mostly on designed touches. Pacheco was the Chiefs' leading rusher before getting injured, but he will likely be eased back into action and split touches with Hunt. He is ranked as RotoBaller's RB41 in PPR leagues for Thanksgiving's game against the Cowboys.