Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Jaylen Warren

Friday, September 26, 5:01 PM

As the Minnesota Vikings' lead back, Jordan Mason should be viewed as a high-end RB2 and a starting option when his team takes on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 4. With Aaron Jones (hamstring) on injured reserve and unable to play, Mason will be the top option out of the Minnesota backfield until at least Week 7, and possibly longer given his effectiveness so far. The first-year Viking surpassed 100 yards and scored twice last week as the No. 1 back, and now he takes on a Pittsburgh defense that ranks 19th in yards per attempt allowed and 31st in missed tackles. Now that Minnesota has other key pieces like left tackle Christian Darrisaw (knee) and receiver Jordan Addison (suspension) back in action, Mason should have a starring role in an offense on the rise.

Friday, September 26, 4:23 PM

According to Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (knee) is expected to play on Sunday despite carrying a questionable designation. Warren was listed as a limited participant throughout the week due to veteran rest and a knee injury. However, Warren was unable to progress enough to avoid a designation following Friday's final practice. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to his status leading up to kickoff in case he faces a setback, but it appears he is trending in the right direction. Throughout the opening month of the season, Warren has been able to emerge as the top option in the Pittsburgh backfield. Warren has been given 14.3 rushing attempts per game and seen 4.0 targets per game. Given his role as a pass-catcher, Warren carries high-floor RB2 value in PPR formats despite facing a tough Minnesota defense that has allowed the 10th fewest PR points to opposing RBs this season. If he is unable to play, Kenneth Gainwell will likely operate as the primary option with Trey Sermon and Kaleb Johnson slotting behind him.