Minnesota Vikings DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

The Minnesota Vikings have running back Aaron Jones penciled in as their starting RB again in 2025 after paying him more to return ($20 million over two seasons). However, ESPN's Kevin Seifert writes that new RB Jordan Mason isn't going to be a typical backup after they acquired him in a trade from the San Francisco 49ers. Head coach Kevin O'Connell has been very clear that he wants to pull back on Jones' usage after he set career-highs in snaps (700), rushing attempts (255) and total touches (306) in 2024. "When he has historically had that 1A/1B backfield structure, he can be a total game-changer every time he touches the ball," O'Connell said. "So it was always about bringing Aaron back ... but what are we going to pair him with?" It's obviously bad news for Jones' chances of an RB1 finish in fantasy in 2025, with Mason expected to be used in short-yardage and goal-line situations for the Vikes.

The Minnesota Vikings don't know yet if wide receiver Jordan Addison will face a suspension in 2025 for a misdemeanor DUI citation in 2024, but if he ends up being suspended, the Vikings have expressed confidence in Jalen Nailor as a worthy short-term replacement, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert. When Addison missed two full games and part of a third last year with an ankle injury, Nailor caught seven passes for 106 yards and three touchdowns and went on to set career-highs in catches (28), yards (414) and TDs (six) while appearing in a career-high 17 games. An Addison suspension to begin the 2025 campaign would make Nailor a much more intriguing sleeper pick in fantasy drafts this fall. "I think this is a massive, massive year for his career," O'Connell said. The former sixth-rounder in 2022 will be in a contract year in 2025.

It sounds as though Minnesota Vikings running back Jordan Mason, who was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason, will have a notable role in the team's backfield in 2025 as the "1b" behind starter Aaron Jones. "I do think Jordan's gonna bring something to the table in those short-yardage situations, those goal-line situations, goal-to-go, where we've really left a lot to be desired as a football team," head coach Kevin O'Connell said. If healthy, Jones should be Minnesota's go-to guy on the early downs and on third down in obvious passing situations, but the presence of Mason as the potential goal-line guy for the Vikes could be bad news for Jones' fantasy ceiling and floor this upcoming season. Mason, 25, has averaged at least 5.2 yards per carry in his three years in the NFL and looked good filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey in 2025. He'll be a handcuff to Jones but could also be in play as a touchdown-dependent RB3/flex in deeper leagues.