Who Should I Start? Rhamondre Stevenson or Jordan Mason

Sunday, December 28, 5:33 PM

New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson registered eight carries, 47 rushing yards, and one rushing touchdown during Sunday's Week 17 win over the New York Jets. He also caught all five of his targets for an additional 55 receiving yards and one receiving touchdown. Stevenson delivered an enormous fantasy performance for the second week in a row. Unlike last Sunday, his high-scoring outing this week came while he was sharing volume with TreVeyon Henderson, who logged 19 touches. Despite the split backfield, Stevenson exploded as a top fantasy running back. He exceeded expectations after entering this week ranked as an RB3/flex. Managers should continue to view him as a top-30 fantasy running back heading into Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins, who have allowed the eighth-most rushing yards, sixth-most receiving yards, and 11th-most fantasy points to running backs in 2025.

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.