Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Isiah Pacheco

Tuesday, December 23, 7:19 PM

Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason (ankle) is trending in the wrong direction ahead of Thursday's Christmas matchup against the division-rival Detroit Lions. Mason suffered an ankle injury during last week's win over the New York Giants. Mason has been a non-participant during the first two practices of the week. He's considered a long shot to suit up for Week 17 as a result. The absence of Mason would mean that Aaron Jones Sr. should see more work as the lead back in Minnesota. His fantasy value will certainly be on the rise, while Zavier Scott should see more chances as the backup as well. Fantasy managers should check back for more updates, but they should be prepared for Mason to miss this divisional clash on a short week.

Tuesday, December 23, 9:20 AM

Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco took back over as the lead back for the Chiefs this week, stepping in ahead of veteran Kareem Hunt and taking eight carries for 34 yards while adding six catches for 41 yards in the team's loss to the Titans last week. Pacheco could be in for a heavy workload moving forward, since the team could phase out Hunt now that the playoffs are no longer a possibility. The team could take the next two weeks to evaluate Pacheco and rookie Brashard Smith for their future roles, but Pacheco is in a brutal matchup this week against the Broncos, who have been elite against the run. Pacheco does have touchdown-dependent upside and should get a good workload, but he's still a long-shot flex play to add off the waiver wire this week due to the matchup.