Jordan Mason Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

With Christian McCaffrey active for only four games, Mason entered the season as the 49ers’ starter.

Mason racked up 789 total yards and three TDs over 11 games, finishing 41st among RBs in PPR fantasy points (115.0).

He stormed out of the gate with three top-10 fantasy finishes in his first four games but struggled for relevance the rest of the season with some nagging injuries.

His 9.6 points per game tied for RB36 due in part to leaving games early with those injuries.

Usage & Role

Mason started the season as the lead back, averaging 21 carries per game over the first five.

A shoulder injury in Week 6 limited Mason and allowed rookie Isaac Guerendo to earn a role. With McCaffrey returning four games midseason, Mason was mostly relegated to a between-the-tackles role.

He earned nine carries inside the five-yard line (47% of the team total), signaling trust in short-yardage situations.

But with just 14 targets and a subpar pass-blocking grade (44.5), he was rarely used on passing downs.

Efficiency Metrics

Mason was one of the NFL’s most efficient backs in 2024.

Among RBs with at least 75 carries, he ranked 6th in yards per carry (5.2), 3rd in rushing yards over expected per attempt (+1.38), and 7th in breakaway run rate (36.9%).

His Pro Football Focus Elusive Rating (81.6) ranked 14th, and his 0.22 missed tackles forced per attempt ranked 8th. Simply put, he maximized nearly every touch he got.

Offensive Context

The 49ers’ elite offensive design and zone-heavy scheme helped Mason thrive when called upon.

He had 110 zone runs vs. 41 gap runs, with a slightly higher yards per carry on zone runs.

He moves to a Vikings offense that will be a bit more balanced in blocking style, but Mason can still succeed between the tackles.

Historical Production & Trends

2024 was Mason’s most productive season as a pro, fueled by big-play rushing.

He never had a RB1 scoring week before 2024, maxing out with an RB17 finish in 2023.

Injury History

Mason sprained the A/C joint in his shoulder in Week 6. He wouldn’t miss a game, but it limited Mason in Week 7.

He re-injured the shoulder in Week 8, which limited him for the rest of the season.

Mason then suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 13 that landed him on IR.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

The Vikings traded fifth and sixth-round picks to acquire Mason this offseason.

He joins Minnesota as the No. 2 behind Aaron Jones.

With Jones entering his age-30 season and coming off a full workload, Mason is a strong bet for rotational touches and possible spot starts.

He should earn at least a short-yardage role with potential for more as the season progresses.

Ty Chandler will remain the third-string RB.

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 2nd 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%) last year, his highest percentage since becoming the HC.