Aaron Jones Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Aaron Jones racked up 1,138 scrimmage yards, finishing 15th among RBs in total PPR points and 20th in points per game.

He notched five top-12 fantasy weeks but also had seven finishes outside the top 24.

Usage & Role

Jones handled a featured workload, finishing with a heavy share of snaps (753) and 62 targets — 8th among RBs.

He contributed as a receiver out of the backfield, finishing with 51 receptions (8th among RBs) and 408 receiving yards (7th)

He was also used on short-yardage carries. Jones saw 13 carries inside the five-yard line, accounting for 70% of the team’s work in that area.

Efficiency Metrics

Jones showed signs of decline as a runner. His 4.5 yards per carry ranked 20th, and his +0.17 rush yards over expected per attempt ranked 24th.

Per Pro Football Focus, Jones ranked outside the top 30 RBs with at least 75 carries in:

• Yards After Contact Per Attempt (3.00)
• Breakaway Run Rate (19.9%)
• Elusiveness Rating (51.5).

He also forced just 0.11 missed tackles per attempt, ranking 52nd among qualifying backs.

Offensive Context

The Vikings ranked 12th in total yards (5,898) in 2024. They also ranked fifth in passing yards (4,379) and 19th in rushing yards (1,855).

They had a 56.6% pass rate and 58.3% neutral pass rate. They averaged 62 plays per game, which ranked 13th.

In ESPN’s blocking win rates, Minnesota’s OL ranked second in pass blocking success (70%) and 15th in run blocking success (72%).

Historical Production & Trends

Jones notched his second 1,100-yard rushing season over the past four years. It was also his highest rushing TD total (5) since 2020.

His receiving role remained strong. Jones’ 62 targets were in line with his career average. He posted the second-highest receiving yardage total of his career (408).

Injury History

Jones avoided major injuries in 2024, playing all 17 games.

He did sustain a hip injury (Week 5), rib injury (Week 10), and leg contusion (Week 17) — but Jones played through all of those.

He sprained his MCL in 2023, missing three games. He has a long history of lower body and leg injuries.

Entering his age-30 season with that history, durability remains a concern.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Jones projects as the lead back, but the Vikings traded fifth and sixth-round picks to acquire RB Jordan Mason.

Mason signed a new two-year deal, cementing him as a contributor to the team immediately.

With Jones’ injury history and age, the Vikings may look to move some of the early-down and short-yardage work off his plate and onto Mason’s.

Ty Chandler is expected to remain the third back on the depth chart.

Supporting Cast

Minnesota’s offense remains powered by its passing attack, now led by QB J.J. McCarthy. To ease McCarthy into the starting role, the Vikings could lean on the run game with Jones and Mason early in the season.

The Vikings’ pass blocking ranked second in the NFL (70%) in 2024. They return OTs Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill. Additions on the interior include Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and first-round pick Donovan Jackson.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Kevin O’Connell’s offense ranked 18th in run rate (44.4%), his highest percentage since becoming the HC.

Minnesota ran a near-even split between zone (146 plays) and gap (97 plays) schemes, keeping Jones active in both styles.