Aaron Jones Sr.

In his first season in Minnesota, former Packer Aaron Jones had a career year. He had never recorded more rushing attempts and yardage than in 2024. What held him back in fantasy rankings was only seven total touchdowns. With the Vikings changing quarterbacks from Sam Darnold to 2024 first-round pick J.J. McCarthy, expect the team to lean on the running game. Yes, Jones will be 31 this year, but he had been relatively underused in Green Bay. With strength as a receiver, I expect him to be as effective as last year, with a good chance he will increase his touchdown total. Much will be made of the arrival of Jordan Mason from San Francisco in a trade. He looked explosive in patches for the 49ers but struggled with workload and was invisible in the passing game. Jones has proven durable and his work as a receiver is a strength. At his current ADP Jones not only presents as a good selection, his chances to exceed the ADP are excellent. 

Will there be a full-blown committee backfield in Minnesota, or will Jones maintain his place as the team's primary option both as a rusher and receiver? We at least know his receiving skills will be used, but Jordan Mason is a capable back who could steal some carries from the aging Jones. 

Still the all-purpose lead back in what should be a top-10 offense. The Vikings didn’t hand him $13.5 million guaranteed to give his job to Jordan Mason, but we'll see more of a committe in Minnesota than we did last year.

Uh-oh, we have another 30-year-old running back among the top-12 backs on the board. Run for your lives to the nearest WR!

Jones had a career year with touches and yardage while playing through a leg injury. For those concerned about workload, I'll say it again: Backs who have proven they can handle a large workload tend to hold up. 

Yes, the age cliff can come at any time after 29, but Jones didn't slow down at 29 and he's had at least 250 touches three times during his eight-year career despite splitting time with another viable runner. 

Jordan Mason could force a bigger split, but that's the best reason to downgrade Jones' potential volume. Until we learn that's the case, expect another 250-touch campaign for the veteran. 

Will see more of a backfield split than 2024 but maintains value with pass game role. 

He'll turn 31 years old during the season, but he has shown little to no signs of slowing down. Jones entered the NFL as one of the best athletes the league had ever seen and continued to put that electricity on display last year, constantly utilizing his speed to get to the edge and create plays in space. He racked up 1,546 total yards and 7 touchdowns and ranked 11th in opportunities per game (18.8).

Jones stayed healthy last year and looked good, but betting on that again feels like trying to catch lightning in a bottle.