Open Nav
Show Navigation
Show Menu
FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Jordan Mason The 1B In Vikings Backfield

By Jared Smola | Updated on Wed, Apr 2 2025 7:28 PM UTC
Jordan Mason Headshot

Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell described his 2025 backfield as a "1A and 1B" situation with Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason. "Aaron Jones is at his best when we can keep him fresh, we can keep him truly as that 1a, because we’ve got the 1b with him, and that was Jordan Mason," O'Connell said.

What They're Saying

O'Connell on Mason: "There were some potential great options to pair Jones with in the draft and free agency, but we really felt like what we were looking for was Jordan Mason. Heavy runner, slash runner, tough to tackle, gets in space and has burst and explosion to finish runs. Also a guy that probably doesn’t get enough credit in his pass protection and every-down versatility so we don’t get pigeonholed."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

The Vikings clearly targeted Mason this offseason as a guy who fit their backfield plans. They traded a pair of Day 3 picks to acquire him from San Francisco and then gave him a two-year, $10.5 million deal with $7.2 million guaranteed.

Mason was excellent as the 49ers' lead back over the first half of last year, averaging 95 rushing yards per game on 5.2 yards per carry. He ranked third among 47 qualifying RBs in rush yards over expected per attempt on the season.

Jones, meanwhile, is coming off a strong fantasy season. But he registered a career-low Pro Football Focus rushing grade and averaged his fewest yards after contact per attempt since his 2017 rookie season. That, not coincidentally, came on a career-high 15.0 carries per game.

The Vikings clearly want to reduce Jones' rushing volume in 2025, with Mason picking up that work.

For more on Mason's 2025 fantasy value, check out our Sleepers article.

Jared Smola Author Image
Jared Smola, Lead Analyst
Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.
Are You Prepared for the 2027 WR Wave in Dynasty?

Are You Prepared for the 2027 WR Wave in Dynasty?

5:23pm UTC 6/16/25

The WR talent in this 2027 NFL Mock Draft is absurd — and it’s gonna flood rookie drafts before you know it. Learn the names NOW while your league mates sleep.

Read More »
Premium Content Premium ContentPatriots Are Setting Up Drake Maye to Deliver for Your Fantasy Team

Patriots Are Setting Up Drake Maye to Deliver for Your Fantasy Team

11:04am UTC 6/14/25

The Patriots supplied one of the NFL's worst offenses in 2024 -- and they knew it. This offseason, an upgraded cast arrived to make Maye a name you NEED to consider in 2025 fantasy drafts.

Read More »
Find Your Next Fantasy Stud in These 2025 Devy Rankings

Find Your Next Fantasy Stud in These 2025 Devy Rankings

8:45pm UTC 6/13/25

Wanna draft the next big thing? Of course you do! So why wait until next year to start? Get ahead of your competition NOW with these top 100 devy rankings.

Read More »
Compare Plans » Compare Plans »