The NFL preseason is underway, which means fantasy foot and fantasy football drafts are right around the corner. The Minnesota Vikings feature Aaron Jones Sr. and Jordan Mason in their backfield, both with paths to meaningful fantasy production this season. Choosing the right RB for your roster could be the key to winning weeks early and finding reliable value late. How do Jones and Mason compare, and which back should you target on draft day?
Aaron Jones Sr.: Veteran Floor and Potential Fade
Aaron Jones has long been one of fantasy’s steadiest producers. Since 2019, Jones has repeatedly cleared 1,100 total yards and delivered weekly upside as both a runner and receiver. Now entering his age-30 season, he looks to improve upon a productive but uneven 2024.
Jones brings a versatile skill set and proven ability to handle heavy workloads. He posted five RB1 games last season and is one of only two players (alongside Christian McCaffrey) with at least 1,000 rushing yards and 50 receptions in two of the last three years. His role in the passing game stabilized his fantasy floor, catching over 80% of his targets last year, a spike that may prove hard to repeat with Minnesota’s new quarterback and overall offensive adjustments.
The concern for fantasy managers is Jones’s advanced age and declining efficiency. Last year saw his explosive play rate dip, with fewer chunk runs and more “empty” carries in crucial games. Internal metrics point to a steady drop in Jones’s Elusive Rating, with just 9.8% of runs gaining 10+ yards in 2024 (down from a career average above 12%).
Head coach Kevin O’Connell has emphasized a committee approach: “Aaron Jones is at his best when we can keep him fresh, truly as that 1a, because we’ve got the 1b with him, and that was Jordan Mason.” Jones’ early-season floor is appealing, but risks abound as the season progresses and the Vikings look to balance carries.
Minnesota Vikings running back Aaron Jones Sr. and safety Theo Jackson mic’d up during 2025 Training Camp Night Practice at TCO Stadium.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) August 10, 2025
Jones sets a safe baseline, especially for fantasy managers opting for risk at the top of their draft. However, his diminishing upside and likelihood of wearing down as the year progresses mean he’s best used as a volume RB2, ideal early, but possibly a fade late in the fantasy calendar.
Jordan Mason: High-Upside Handcuff or True Committee Back?
Jordan Mason arrives in Minnesota after two years serving as Christian McCaffrey’s backup in San Francisco. Although he sits second on the depth chart, Mason seems poised for immediate opportunity under O’Connell’s system, especially if Jones is kept fresh or misses time.
Mason’s career numbers are quietly impressive. He averages 5.3 yards per carry on 236 career attempts, with a 77.8% catch rate and a track record of making the most of limited opportunities. Whenever Mason plays two-thirds or more of the team’s snaps, he has averaged 16.7 fantasy points per game, a number that rivals other mid-tier RB1s.
His profile as a runner is dynamic, gaining yards on over 80% of attempts in extended action last year and demonstrating toughness and vision between the tackles. Mason excelled as a spot starter, posting three rushing touchdowns and 505 yards across five high-usage games.
Although Mason is still “behind” Jones, fantasy managers making the bet on Mason are playing the long game. Jones’ age and heavy mileage suggest an increased risk for injuries and diminished burst as the season progresses, which is exactly where Mason becomes a potential league-winning asset. He is a patient pick who offers starting-caliber value if Jones misses time or the workload shifts to a committee earlier than expected.
#Vikings RB Jordan Mason for 6 (. @Dust_Vikings. )
— VikingzFanPage (@VikingzFanPage) August 5, 2025
Mason’s draft cost remains affordable, and those seeking long-term upside (rather than early points only) should view him as a “cheat code” for deep rosters and as a handcuff with real standalone value. If the Vikings move to an even split, Mason could see 12+ weekly touches by October, setting up a moderate-floor, high-upside scenario for the stretch run.
Jones vs. Mason: Who Should You Draft?
Both Jones and Mason have appeal for fantasy rosters, but they serve distinctly different purposes.
Jones is the reliable veteran and best suited for managers wanting early-season stability, especially in PPR leagues. He’ll handle passing-down work and most of the priority snaps out of the gate, and his past production is a strong argument for drafting him as an RB2. Just beware that his upside may shrink as weeks go by, and matchups late in the season could see Mason taking over higher-value touches.
Mason, on the other hand, is the upside play. If you build a strong starting core elsewhere and want a back who can surge in November and December, Mason is the pick. His limited draft price allows you to gamble on breakout potential, especially if Jones falters, gets hurt, or O’Connell turns to a committee.
Verdict: Draft Jones as a floor play if your roster needs reliable points to open the year. If you want to maximize upside, stack Mason late and watch him climb the ranks as Minnesota’s backfield evolves. Ideally, target both as a pairing on deeper rosters for unrivaled security and league-winning potential as the season unfolds.
