Jordan Mason

As we head into the 2025 fantasy football season, Jordan Mason is a name that should be on every fantasy owner's radar, especially given his recent move to the Minnesota Vikings. After a breakout performance in the first half of the 2024 season with the San Francisco 49ers, Mason demonstrated his potential as a top-tier running back. Despite suffering a shoulder injury in Week 6 and a season-ending high-ankle sprain later on, Mason's stats were impressive, averaging 90.7 rushing yards per start, which ranked fourth among running backs last season.

Mason's new role with the Vikings sets him up for significant playing time, particularly on early downs. He will be sharing the backfield with Aaron Jones, who, although well-rounded, has shown signs of decline due to various injuries over the last two seasons. Jones's workload is expected to be lightened, which could mean more opportunities for Mason to shine. Mason's hard-nosed running style has been praised by Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell, indicating that he will be a valuable asset in taking some of the load off Jones.

From a fantasy perspective, Mason offers a compelling mix of potential and value. His advanced metrics from 2024, such as finishing third in Next Gen Stats rush yards over expected and 10th in PFF elusive rating, suggest he has the skills to be more than just a backup. With an average NFFC ADP of 151st overall, Mason can be drafted at a relatively low cost, making him a high-reward pick with minimal downside. If Aaron Jones were to miss time due to injury, as he has in three of the past five seasons, Mason could easily elevate to the level of a top-12 fantasy running back.

In summary, Jordan Mason is more than just a handcuff for Aaron Jones; he has the potential to be a standalone flex play and could wildly outperform his ADP if things go his way. With his electric play and the Vikings' plan to manage Jones's workload, Mason is a sleeper pick that could make a significant impact on your fantasy team in 2025. Don't overlook him in your drafts – he could be the surprise star you need to propel your team to victory.

Updated 06/28/2025