Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Rachaad White

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 23, 1:07 PM

According to head coach Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Rachaad White could be given a larger role during their contest against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday afternoon. When asked about White's usage during their loss to the Panthers in Week 16, Bowles noted that he "completely agrees" that White should have been given more rushing attempts, given the success he enjoyed in his limited opportunities. In this contest, White took five carries for 45 yards and two receptions of 15 yards. Over the previous two games, White showed similar upside, tallying 73 yards on 12 rushing attempts. White's eight rushing attempts on Sunday placed him second on the depth chart, above Sean Tucker's four carries and behind Bucky Irving's 19 carries. Given that White seems poised for a larger role in Week 17, managers in deeper 12-team formats could consider him as a viable FLEX play facing a Miami defense that is allowing the eighth-most PPR points to opposing RBs.