Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Trey Benson

Tuesday, November 4, 6:30 PM

Though Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. (shoulder) left Sunday's win at Detroit, the team does not believe the injury is serious, which could mean a changing role for fellow running back Jordan Mason. The first-year Viking held down the backfield in Jones' absence with a hamstring injury, but Jones was the more effective of the two options against Detroit by gaining 42 more yards on one fewer carry. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell said the team found "an element of play style and physicality" that it had been lacking, and Jones was the main benefactor. Additionally, Mason probably hasn't helped his cause with a few bad pass-blocking reps that contributed to sacks during the past two weeks. Minnesota may opt to ride the hot hand at running back every week, which can be tricky from a fantasy perspective. But if the Vikings aim to recreate their successful Week 9 game plan, Jones may feature more than Mason in the weeks to come.

Friday, November 7, 9:13 AM

Arizona Cardinals' second-year running back out of Florida State, Trey Benson (knee), missed yet another opportunity to practice on Thursday after it was reported on Wednesday by Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic that head coach Jonathan Gannon did not make it sound likely that running back Benson would return from Injured Reserve to play in Week 10 against the division-rival Seattle Seahawks. This is tough news for fantasy managers who were hoping to get him activated after the four-game minimum from the IR stint. Benson remains a top IR stash for the time being, as they likely will give him the RB1 duties upon his return. Arizona will continue to mix and match in their backfield with Bam Knight, Emari Demercado, and Michael Carter. Right now, Demercado and Knight have some RB3 value while Carter is likely the odd man out based on recent usage.