Who Should I Start? Jordan Mason or Tyrone Tracy Jr.

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.

Saturday, December 27, 11:48 AM

New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. has seen quality usage down the stretch and projects as a high-floor RB2 against a Raiders team that looks to have turned their attention to 2026. With the number one pick of the upcoming NFL draft potentially at stake on Sunday, Las Vegas has already shut down Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby, and Jeremy Chinn, and the Giants are slight favorites on the road. Averaging 18.5 opportunities per game, since Week 10, Tracy has finished as a top-15 fantasy running back three times over that span, including an RB5 finish against the Commanders in Week 15. And while he's scored only three total touchdowns on the season, 12 of his 16 red zone looks have come in the past four games. Against a Raiders defense that struggled against the run even when they were trying, Tracy looks to be a safe Week 17 start.